It was MGM-Mirage chairman & CEO Jim Murren’s moment in the sun, literally  MGM-Mirage could not have scripted more perfect weather. The sunny day today might be the first bit of luck CityCenter has received from the universe that kicked everything, (all documented by the media) including a moment where the project poised almost on the lip of bankruptcy, at the plan; and, yet, here it is: 67 acres of massive towers and a mammoth resort like none before. Awesome.

There are places all over the net where casino design experts can give you their breakdown on the construction details and architectural wonders. Here is where I go to school to learn about these intricacies:

vegastripping.com,  ratevegas.com,  dieiscast.com

My perspective: The art of the Vegas casino was perfected with Wynn and Encore. Steve Wynn put everything he learned from the Mirage to Bellagio into those properties. And, so any new property would have had to be inferior or a knock-off. At a steep price, CityCenter transcends the entire question by being a thing apart, entirely different. It can not be compared to any other resort on the Strip, the scale is too mammoth and the vibe feels much more like Manhattan than New York New York casino.

I do worry that CityCenter risks at moments being in Las Vegas more than of Las Vegas. But Las Vegas needs to change. I think the last year has taught everyone that. And, CityCenter is change. Looking at the “Sex in the City” themed slot machines, you think,  they just didn’t belong. Maybe it would be more fitting putting Merchant- Ivory movies on the slots? Would that be irony?

Of course, the point is this is still a casino. And, yet, CityCenter’s too impressive to simply think of as a shell containing a casino. It is worth sight seeing whereas Vegas was built for gawking. I do wonder if there will be a shortage of on-site entertainment outside of the Cirque themed Elvis show. But that will be easier to know once the place has had some time open.

For now, CityCenter’s difference is key to what makes the place so impressive. This will be a place people who hate Vegas can love while still having plenty to excite those who love Vegas.

And, new tourists are what Vegas needs. I can’t imagine CityCenter failing to fascinate anyone. It is good taste to extreme excess. How Vegas! I suspect many will enjoy trying to comprehend and examine both the scale of the project combined with the intricacy of the design in its fine detail. Again, awesome. (Photo: Lanie Crossman)