Las Vegas hotel and casino operator, MGM Resorts International is proud to introduce VIVA, an extended weekend spectacular celebrating 200 years of Mexican independence and running from September 15th to 19th, 2010.  The red, white and green blowout takes place across all Las Vegas MGM Resorts properties and welcomes Latino travelers, and anyone wishing to join the party, to celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of Mexican Independence Day from one end of The Strip to the other.

"Our resorts have historically offered a great variety of entertainment, dining and activities for guests celebrating the 'fiestas patrias. Now with VIVA we are able to pull it all together and expand our offerings to make this weekend a can't-miss destination event weekend." said Bill Hornbuckle, Chief Marketing Officer for MGM Resorts International.

Hotel packages, including VIVA wristbands, now are available for purchase at all MGM Resorts box offices throughout the event weekend. Participant hotels include ARIA Resort, Vdara, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, The Signature at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel, Luxor Las Vegas, Excalibur Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Hotel.

VIVA wristbands will provide guests daily happy hours at participating bars and restaurants, admission and VIP line passes to Studio 54 nightclub at MGM Grand, access to concerts at Diablo's Cantina, daily fashion experiences at Crystals and much more.  The new Ignite Lounge at Monte Carlo Resort will serve as the central VIVA Lounge from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, offering concierge services and a spot to relax and rejuvenate from all of the excitement.  In addition, VIVA guests will have the chance to pick and choose from a buffet of entertainment and activities during the weekend long event.

The VIVA celebration begins Wednesday, Sept. 15 with a sold-out concert by Mexican sensation Alejandro Fernandez  at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Festivities will continue from Thursday through Saturday with an exciting mixture of comedy and musical events, including  Latin Grammy Award-winners Marco Antonio Solis and Pedro Fernandez at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Saturday, September 18th and comedian Gabriel Iglesias at the Monte Carlo Theatre (September 16th to 19th). 

Partygoers will also have the chance to celebrate every night with a variety of nightlife options offering guests a unique Latin flavor.  Diego at MGM Grand will feature top tequilas and high-energy dancing at Agave Jueves on Thursday and Vida! Latin Late Nights Friday and Saturday.  Meanwhile, Reventon at Gonzalez y Gonzalez at New York-New York heats up The Strip with pop and rock en Espanol Friday and Saturday.