The hotel and casino originally had a Wizard of Oz theme, hence the bright green “Emerald City” color of the building. They realized that ‘Sin City’ was beginning to embrace elaborate theme hotels and a ‘family-friendly’ vibe. Owners opened the MGM Grand in 1993 after recognizing that Las Vegas was changing. It still remains as the west wing of the main hotel! The MGM Grand Officially Opens
Therefore, he decided to build around it instead. Kerkorian originally planned to demolish the Marina, but he was impressed by the quality of its construction. Next, he purchased the Tropicana Country Club and the San Rémo in order to expand the site. Kirk Kerkorian then bought the property, as he had his sights set on a much larger resort. In the 1960s, the property was the site of the Golf Club Motel, and in 1985 it was replaced by the 700-room Airport Marina Hotel.
The Early History of the MGM Signature Site
