Why Doesn’t the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas Change Its Name?

When we talk about the tragic events that took place on October 1, 2017, in Las Vegas, it's often referred to simply as 'the Las Vegas Shooting.' Many of us mistakenly think that the hotel directly connected to the shooting - Mandalay Bay - was heavily impacted. However, the reality is far from what one might assume. Let’s delve into why this iconic hotel has retained its name despite the horrific publicity.

Understanding the Name Retention

The day that will forever be etched in our memories is often known as ‘1 October’ in the city. Interestingly, outsiders, including some visitors to the hotel, frequently call it the ‘Las Vegas Shooting.’ It’s important to note that Mandalay Bay didn’t directly contribute to the shooting. The question of whether the hotel could have done more to prevent the incident is one that attracts much debate, but the belief that the hotel bears significant blame is not widely shared.

Horsing the Gruel Question of Responsibility

Professor Simon ‘Wheelie’ said, “While there were certainly questions about whether the hotel could have done more, the number of people who genuinely felt that the hotel was at fault for the shooting seemed quite limited." The hotel did not, in fact, carry out any acts of violence. It simply provided a vantage point for the mass shooter.

Furthermore, the shooting is more often referred to as the 'Las Vegas Shooting' than the 'Mandalay Bay Shooting.' This indicates a broader cultural understanding that it was a city-wide tragedy, not one confined to a single establishment.

The Value of Branding

Mandalay Bay is not just a hotel; it's a significant brand with substantial value. Over the years, millions of dollars have been invested into maintaining and promoting this brand. As a business, it would be a poor strategic move for the hotel to change its name purely due to an incident that they had little to no control over and that the majority of people don’t attribute blame to the hotel for.

No Impact on Occupancy

Despite the notoriety and negative publicity associated with the tragic events, it’s interesting to note that Mandalay Bay has not suffered in terms of occupancy. People continue to book rooms and stay at the hotel, suggesting that guests are more concerned with the quality of their experience than the location's recent past.

Cost and Practicalities

Changing the name of the hotel would involve significant practical and financial considerations. If the name were changed, the hotel would need to reapply and reissue numerous licenses, dealing with a host of government-related issues. The process could be both time-consuming and expensive. By the time these processes are completed, it’s highly likely that the public interest in the incident would wane, making the effort seemingly unnecessary.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to retain the name Mandalay Bay is a pragmatic one. It showcases the hotel’s resilience and focus on its customer experience. The tragic events of 1 October 2017 are a somber reminder of a dark day, but the hotel’s continued success suggests that people are more drawn to its amenities and service than the location’s recent history.

For more insights into the annals of Las Vegas history and the impact of significant events on the city, stay tuned.