Very little in Vegas is free. If you are having fun, chances are great that you are paying handsomely for it.
That isn't the case when you meander past the Bellagio and its beloved fountains go off, offering a dazzling display of crisp Vegas water.
Then came word that MGM Resorts would shutter the attraction in favor of, (in classic Sin City style), something that mandates money.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal's Robin Leach had reported on May 22: "I can confirm that preliminary discussions have been held among top MGM Resorts execs for the 22 million-gallon, 8.5-acre lagoon site of The Bellagio Fountains to be drained and replaced with a boutique shopping and restaurant promenade."
MGM Resorts has since replied with a statement: "We have no plans or intention to eliminate the iconic Bellagio Fountains, one of the most identifiable tourism landmarks in the world."
However, Leach goes on to state that MGM Resorts doesn't actually deny that discussions have taken place behind the scenes to replace the fountains. His sources confirm that some are considering taking advantage of this massive area and turning into a money-making endeavor.
The beauty of the fountain is that you can walk on by and not spend a dime. The bad part (for casinos) is that you walk on by without spending a dime.
Leach explains that Steve Wynn's new Paradise Lagoon has become the impetus for the planned changeover: "It's incredibly valuable real estate that earns the hotel nothing. It has had a long run as a tourist attraction, but now it's time to make it a revenue earner. Steve's new water park will become the new attraction on the Strip. MGM wanted something entirely new for Bellagio."
KTNV quotes VitalVegas.com's Scott Roeben who states, "My prediction is it's not going to happen any time soon but that doesn't mean the conversation has not been had. I think the first rule of Las Vegas is, what happens here stays here. But the second rule of Las Vegas is, don't get attached to anything."
It's an ever-evolving city that constantly changes its headliners, restaurants and shows to entice those before tedium sets in. The fountains are indeed a famed part of the strip, but that doesn't mean they remain sacred to those in power.
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As has been the case since this town popped up in the Nevada desert: If they build it, you will come.
You might huff and puff about the idea of the fountains leaving. However, the second MGM Resorts discovers that it's far more profitable to uproot the attraction is the moment these fountains blow for the last time. People will still show up for all the other stuff.
We can rest easy thanks to the for-now denial, but you will excuse me if I'm not shocked when the powers that be change their tune.
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