It wasn’t a natural disaster — it was entertainment.

When The Mirage opened in 1989, its erupting volcano became an instant spectacle on the Las Vegas Strip. Flames shot into the night sky, music pulsed, and crowds gathered nightly to watch the show.

The attraction signaled a shift in Vegas strategy. Casinos were no longer relying only on gaming floors — they were turning the sidewalk into theater. Free outdoor spectacles drew foot traffic and transformed the Strip into an immersive experience.

The Mirage volcano helped launch the era of larger-than-life attractions that defined the 1990s skyline.

In Las Vegas, even the pavement could explode — on purpose.

Year & Place – November 1989, Las Vegas, Nevada