Grand Opening of Vdara Hotel & Spa at CityCenter in Las Vegas
December 1, 2009 by VegasNews.com

Celebratory events today marked the first opening at CityCenter, the extraordinary urban resort destination destined to refine and redefine the Las Vegas Strip (Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com).

Ribbon cutting ceremony at Vdara
Company executives and local dignitaries participated in a press event and ribbon-cutting ceremony at Vdara Hotel & Spa.
Cutting the Ribbon (above): Angela Lester; general manager, Vdara Hotel & Spa, Bobby Baldwin; CEO and President of CityCenter, Jim Murren; CEO of MGM Mirage, Bill Grounds; president of the Infinity World Development Corporation and Bill McBeath; President of Aria Resort at CityCenter.

Employees are first to enter Vdara
In recognition of the profound significance of the job creation resulting from Vdara and CityCenter’s opening, company officials welcomed Vdara’s employees to be the first to officially walk through the hotel’s doors. Vdara will open to the public tomorrow morning.

Artwork includes a piece composed of 250 small boats, including rowboats, canoes and kayaks, by Nancy Rubins
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE
During the press event, Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE, said, “We are incredibly proud to offer the world this first taste of all that CityCenter will bring to the Las Vegas Strip. Travelers will finally find in Las Vegas what they find in other great cities around the world – spectacular architecture, culturally significant art, great public spaces, sophisticated hotels, unique restaurants and incredible amenities. We look forward to unveiling all of this and more as the month unfolds.”
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Bobby Baldwin, President and CEO of CityCenter
Bobby Baldwin, President and CEO of CityCenter, said “Vdara’s management, and all of the employees, have completed all of the pre-opening activities and have readied the hotel to open. Their excitement and enthusiasm defy description as they await the opportunity to welcome the first hotel guests and residents.”

Company officials welcome guests
Extending today’s celebration into the evening, Vdara, in partnership with Vanity Fair, will throw a star-studded, invite-only event hosted by famed photographer Sebastian Copeland, along with award-winning actors Orlando Bloom and Rosario Dawson. A dedicated environmental activist, Copeland shares Vdara’s commitment to sustainability, which is evidenced in the resort’s LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Interior shot of Vdara
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com
Vdara is the first hotel to open at CityCenter, which in total will put 12,000 employees to work in Las Vegas. An all-suite hotel and spa designed for those who love the excitement of Vegas but prefer to enjoy it in an exclusive, non-gaming, smoke-free environment, Vdara is physically connected to Bellagio and directly adjacent to ARIA Resort & Casino, offering access to all the amenities and energy of CityCenter while also providing a retreat from it all.

Interior shot of Vdara
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com
CityCenter will celebrate openings throughout the month, culminating with one final grand opening celebration, December 16. Crystals retail and entertainment district opens December 3, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas December 4 and ARIA Resort & Casino December 16.

Interior shot of Vdara
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Interior shot of Vdara
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Interior shot of Vdara
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Interior shot of Vdara
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Interior shot of Vdara
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Interior shot of Vdara
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Interior shot of Vdara
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Interior shot of Vdara
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Interior shot of Vdara
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com
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