As the Mirage resort in Las Vegas closes, a look at its 35-year legacy

The Mirage is coming into the home stretch. Next Wednesday, it will close its doors.

The property itself will remain, but it will become a Hard Rock Hotel, albeit a much different one from the former Paradise Road casino by that name.

But that Polynesian-themed resort that ushered in the megaresort era when it opened in 1989 will likely become something else entirely.

That means no more Beatles Love show, which recently lowered its curtain for good. And of course, no more volcano, which will be levelled for a giant guitar-shaped hotel tower.

But for one more week, locals who fell in love with its tropical vibe, entertainment offerings, animal exhibits and dining spots can have their final hurrah at one of the most important casino-hotels in Las Vegas history.

Guests: David Schwartz, ombuds and professor, UNLV and gaming historian; Geoff Carter, senior editor, Las Vegas Weekly