LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International has revealed plans for the Las Vegas Village site where the mass shooting occurred nearly two years ago.
The location will be used for parking for games at Allegiant Stadium in the near term and there are plans to build a community and athletic center, according to the company. A memorial is also planned.
A country music festival was underway when a shooter opened fire at the Las Vegas Village site from the balcony of the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on Oct. 1, 2017. Fifty-eight people were killed and more than 800 were injured in what has been called the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history.
“We know that for many, the Village property will forever be linked to the tragic loss of life that took place there on October 1st. We will never forget the victims, and all of those impacted by that evening. As the second anniversary nears, we remain committed to being part of the community effort to continue healing and moving forward,” said an MGM Resorts International spokesperson in a statement.
“In this spirit, MGM Resorts plans to build a community and athletic center on the north end of the property, which will be home to sporting events and community gatherings. We hope one day it will host high school basketball tournaments, indoor soccer for kids and provide a place for the Aces to practice and engage with the community to inspire the next generation of female athletes. It was important to us that the long-term use of the property include the community in some way. We also plan to create a space on the property to remember the victims of the tragedy.
In the near term, while these plans are underway, the property will revert back from festival grounds to a parking area and will serve as parking during games and concerts taking place at Allegiant Stadium. Over the coming weeks and months, there will be construction activity near the property to ensure the safety of pedestrians crossing the street toward the stadium. We will share plans for the community and athletic center as they advance. We will also support the future community effort around a permanent, public memorial when that process begins.”
