Now a days, there are names that come to mind when thinking of the center of America’s casino world, Las Vegas, Nevada. Over the past decade or so, mega casino resorts have been built and turned the desert town not only into a gambling hot spot, but an entertainment capital. The town certainly has glitzy casinos, but it now also sports celebrity chef restaurants, roller coasters, and spectacular shows such as Cirque du Soleil. Through it all, there is a man who has not only seen Las Vegas explode, but is responsible for defining and redefining the city several times. Billionaire, Kirk Kerkorian, could have his name put on any building or street in Las Vegas, but he has been content to stay out of the spotlight.
Mr. Kerkorian is the founder of MGM Mirage, and is currently its largest stake holder. He is an active member of the board, and has been involved with the development of CityCenter, MGM’s newest Las Vegas Strip casino and resort area. However, this is only the latest enterprise he has been a part of. In the 1960‘s Kerkorian opened the International (now known as the Las Vegas Hilton) which was Las Vegas’ first 1,000 room hotel and casino. The original MGM Grand (now Bally’s Las Vegas) was built in 1973 and became the largest casino and hotel in Las Vegas at the time. Of course, this lead to the construction and opening of the current MGM Grand and a rightful place among the biggest personalities in Las Vegas history.
Even at 92 and removed from the bright lights of The Strip, Mr. Kerkorian continues to grant his influence and support of the resort and casino company he founded and the desert city he helped shape. CityCenter is open and he calls it an, “…amazing new aspect of Las Vegas.” CityCenter went through some tough times, but current MGM CEO, Jim Murren, has admitted that Kerkorian was on board from the beginning, and was there with a supportive phone call almost everyday during the tough times. CityCenter is quickly becoming the crown jewel of the Las Vegas Strip and another defining moment in the life of Kirk Kerkorian.
