LAS VEGAS—Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino opened the Convention Center’s 350,000-sq.-ft. expansion. The $70-million phase one of the project consists of a new exhibit space, a 20,000-sq.-ft. foyer and underground parking. The second and final phase of the expansion will transition existing space into a 70,000-sq.-ft. carpeted ballroom.
Construction began in October 2014 and, upon completion of this project in January 2016, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center will offer more than two million total sq. ft. and more than 900,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space.
“The opening of our convention center expansion is another exciting milestone in the multiyear transformation of our resort,” said Chuck Bowling, president and COO of Mandalay Bay. “The response to booking the space has exceeded our expectations, and we believe this investment will increase visitation to Las Vegas, driving incremental business to MGM Resorts’ portfolio and the city overall.”
Stephanie Glanzer, VP of sales at Mandalay Bay, said, “In addition to the convention center expansion, we recently announced and are undergoing our 3,000-room remodel. These updates combined with numerous other new offerings and venues solidify Mandalay Bay as a top choice for corporate groups and trade shows of all sizes.”
The expanded Mandalay Bay Convention Center is incorporating an additional rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) array spanning eight acres. Upon completion this fall, the added portion of the array will generate approximately 1.9 MW with an approximate annual production of 3.4M kilowatt hours. Covering more than 28 acres, the combined array will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 1,300 homes, according to the hotel.