The MGM Grand at 3799 South Las Vegas Boulevard was designed by Veldon Simpson for Kirk Kerkorian. Ground was broken on October 7, 1991, the building topped out on February 23, 1993, and it opened on December 18, 1993, about three months early. It cost $1 billion, including a theme park. The Marina Hotel of 1975 became its west wing.
The green glass exterior was meant to evoke Emerald City, and Wizard of Oz theming dominated the original design. A fiberglass lion head 88 feet (27 m) tall marked the entrance until demolition began on May 13, 1997. A 45-foot (14 m) bronze lion on a 25-foot pedestal replaced it.
The towers rise up to 30 stories, and the resort had 5,005 rooms at opening and 4,762 after a 2025 renovation. The casino covers 171,500 square feet (15,930 m²), and the arena seats 15,200.
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