Bellagio Fountains to Pay Tribute to Frontline Workers, American Resiliency June 4

Posted on: May 28, 2020, 04:12h. 

Last updated on: May 28, 2020, 04:41h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

The Bellagio is one of three MGM Resorts properties opening June 4, and it will do so with its iconic fountains paying tribute to the frontline workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bellagio fountains MGM Las Vegas
Las Vegas wouldn’t be Las Vegas without the Bellagio Fountains. Fortunately, they’ll be on next week. (Image: Richard Brian/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) is allowing state casinos, including those in Las Vegas, to reopen next Thursday. All gambling has been suspended since mid-March.

MGM Resorts, the operator of the most casinos on the Strip, is initially opening Bellagio, New York-New York, and MGM Grand.

Little will be the same in Las Vegas on Day 1, post-COVID. But one thing that will provide some normalcy and perhaps a sense of comfort are the Bellagio fountains wowing Strip pedestrians. In a release, MGM says the Bellagio attraction will rotate three performances throughout the day.

“Simple Gifts” will honor those who are serving on the frontline of the coronavirus response. The “Star-Spangled Banner” will commemorate the country’s strength, and “Viva Las Vegas” will celebrate the resiliency of the Las Vegas people.

All three songs have previously been accompanied by the Bellagio Fountains for a performance. Onlookers will see Thursday what MGM has in store for their 2020 coronavirus renditions.

Opening Plans

MGM Resorts operates nine Strip casinos. But only three will resume operations come June 4. The casino operator, as is the case with others reopening, will take numerous measures to keep workers and guests safe.

COVID-19 testing will be offered for employees, and workers will be required to wear face masks. Guests are strongly encouraged to wear protective face gear, too.

Social distancing will be observed throughout the three casino resorts. Standalone handwashing stations will be located on casino floors, contactless check-in through the MGM app will be preferred, and digital menus at restaurants available on mobile devices will be offered.

“The health and safety of our guests and employees is at the forefront of all we do. Getting many of our employees back to work and welcoming guests through our doors once again will allow us to do what we do best – entertain. The team is ready and we can’t wait,” said MGM Acting CEO Bill Hornbuckle.

Bellagio Fountains

Few places are more quintessential to grab a photo while in Las Vegas than in front of the fountains. According to the Travel Channel, the Bellagio Fountains are one of the most popular Instagram backgrounds, beating the Taj Mahal, Niagara Falls, and Rome’s Colosseum.

Bellagio’s water show typically runs every 30 minutes from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to midnight. The property is reopening at 10 a.m. on Thursday.

Along with the fountains, the Bellagio features another free attraction. The Conservatory will unveil its latest show, “Japanese Journey: Magic of Kansai.” The Kansai region includes Osaka, the prefecture and city that MGM is targeting to build a multibillion-dollar casino resort.