LAS VEGAS, April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Strengthening its
position as a leader in the meetings and convention industry,
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino today announced plans to expand its
award-winning Convention Center. Based on demand for additional
space, the resort will add new exhibit space, underground parking
and increase overall square footage, creating the most flexible and
customer-focused convention facility in North America. Mandalay Bay is a wholly owned
subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM).
Plans include the addition of more than 350,000 square feet of
exhibit space to the existing 1.7 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay
Convention Center as well as underground parking and more carpeted
ballroom space. The new spaces will allow Mandalay Bay to grow
current shows, pursue new and larger corporate partners and achieve
greater utilization of the entire facility. Upon completion, the
Mandalay Bay Convention Center will boast more than 2 million total
square feet and 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space. This
elevates its ranking in North
America from No. 7 to No. 5 in total square feet and from
No. 11 to No. 5 in square feet of exhibit space.
"Several long-standing customers approached us with a need for
additional space to grow their business; they looked to us to be a
solution provider, and we went to work," said Chuck Bowling, President and COO of Mandalay
Bay. "In addition to enabling our current clients to develop larger
events, the additional space and new flexibility will allow us to
attract new business to Las Vegas.
We believe this investment will increase visitation to Las Vegas, driving incremental business to MGM
Resorts' portfolio and the city overall."
David Peckinpaugh, CMP, President
of Maritz Travel, said, "This expansion takes what is already
perhaps the best meeting space in Las
Vegas to the next level and puts Mandalay Bay in a truly
unique position around the globe with its ability to host premier
meetings and conventions."
David Loechner, CEO of Emerald
Expositions, said, "As a fast growing expositions organizer
currently holding 13 annual trade shows in Las Vegas, including four at Mandalay Bay, we
are very pleased with the decision to expand and expect to take
advantage of the new space as soon as it's complete."
Construction is scheduled to begin in late fall 2014 with new
exhibit space available in August
2015 and anticipated completion of all spaces in January
2016. The project is estimated to cost approximately
$66 million. Featuring a
70,000-square-foot ballroom that is divisible by five, the new
space will allow for maximum flexibility and more break-out areas
for corporate groups. The bandwidth of the Convention Center's
state-of-the-art technology also will increase to accommodate more
attendees and to allow for the most advanced presentations.
Stephanie Glanzer, VP of Sales at
Mandalay Bay, said, "Las Vegas is
continuing to evolve as a meetings destination and this development
will solidify Mandalay Bay as a top choice for corporate groups and
trade shows of all sizes. We're already speaking with new customers
about future business in the space as well as current clients about
extending their contracts. We are committed to making a complete
experience that extends beyond just business, and with more than
41,000 guest rooms across MGM Resorts' Las Vegas properties at varying price points,
we can make a complete contract that is customized for any
group."
MGM Resorts International has made a commitment to build all new
facilities to LEED Gold standards or better, and the Convention
Center expansion will meet those standards. Mandalay Bay and the
Mandalay Bay Convention Center hold coveted Five Key ratings from
the Green Key Eco-Rating and Meetings Programs. In addition,
TripAdvisor has awarded the resort Gold in its GreenLeaders
Program. Mandalay Bay integrates environmentally responsible
practices into its operations including the recycling of more than
80 percent of all convention materials. From sustainable service
ware and organic, sustainable menus to zero waste recycling,
Mandalay Bay's Convention Service Managers offer a number of
options to help each group conduct green and socially responsible
meetings.
The expanded Convention Center at Mandalay Bay will incorporate
an additional rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) array making it the
largest convention center array in the world. The anticipated size
of the array is approximately 1.9MWdc with an approximate annual
production of 3.4M kilowatt hours. The previously announced 6.2MWdc
solar PV array on the current Convention Center is slated for
completion in August; the combined array will generate enough
electricity to power the equivalent of 1,300 homes.
Las Vegas has been the No. 1
trade show destination for 20 years, and this significant
investment demonstrates Mandalay Bay's continued commitment to the
city of Las Vegas.
About Mandalay Bay
Mandalay Bay, a AAA Four Diamond Award-winning resort, is set on
120 lush acres featuring the award-winning Mandalay Bay Beach, a
tropical pool paradise with real sand and the only
climate-controlled, poolside gaming in the city. The Mandalay
Bay Events Center, award-winning restaurants, exhilarating
entertainment, unique shopping, Shark Reef Aquarium and the
1.7-million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center combine to
make Mandalay Bay a distinctive Las
Vegas destination. In 2014, THEhotel, a stand-alone
all-suite hotel at Mandalay Bay will be redesigned and rebranded
Delano Las Vegas. Mandalay Bay is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM
Resorts International (NYSE: MGM).
SOURCE Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino