MGM National Harbor opened in Prince George's County, Maryland, on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016. Click through the gallery to see photos of the new space.
Guests arrive at the MGM National Harbor Grand Opening on December 8, 2016 in National Harbor, Maryland.
(Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor)
Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor
Guests arrive at the MGM National Harbor Grand Opening on December 8, 2016 in National Harbor, Maryland.
(Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor)
Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor
General view of the atmosphere at the MGM National Harbor Grand Opening Gala on December 8, 2016 in National Harbor, Maryland.
(Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor)
Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor
General view of the atmosphere at the MGM National Harbor Grand Opening Gala on December 8, 2016 in National Harbor, Maryland.
(Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor)
Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor
Former Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and former RNC Chair Michael Steele attend the MGM National Harbor Grand Opening Gala on December 8, 2016 in National Harbor, Maryland.
(Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor)
Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor
Michael Voltaggio (L) and Jamie Schreiber attend the MGM National Harbor Grand Opening Gala on December 8, 2016 in National Harbor, Maryland.
(Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor)
Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor
Former Virginia Sen. John Warner, second from left, poses for a photo with MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren (L), and other guests as they attend the MGM National Harbor Grand Opening Gala on December 8, 2016 in National Harbor, Maryland.
(Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor)
Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor
Maryland Sen. Thomas V. Mike Miller talks with a guest at the MGM National Harbor Grand Opening Gala on December 8, 2016 in National Harbor, Maryland.
(Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor)
Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MGM National Harbor
The MGM National Harbor on opening day.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
The MGM casino and resort at National Harbor opens Thursday.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Inside the MGM National Harbor.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Inside the MGM National Harbor.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Inside the MGM National Harbor.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan speaks at the grand opening ceremony for the MGM National Harbor Dec. 8. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
((Courtesy Shannon Finney))
(Courtesy Shannon Finney)
Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker speaks at the grand opening ceremony for the MGM National Harbor Dec. 8.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Violinist Ken Ford during a grand opening ceremony for the MGM National Harbor.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Sarah Jessica Parker with Maryland elected officials on stage during a grand opening ceremony for MGM National Harbor. Parker is opening her first stand-alone boutique store at the luxury resort and casino.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Sarah Jessica Parker on stage during a grand opening ceremony for MGM National Harbor. Parker is opening her first stand-alone boutique store at the luxury resort and casino.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Sarah Jessica Parker is opening her first stand-alone boutique store at the luxury resort and casino.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Sarah Jessica Parker is opening her first stand-alone boutique store at the luxury resort and casino.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Inside the MGM National Harbor. Bruno Mars plays the casino’s 3,000-seat theater on Dec. 27
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Dining options inside the MGM National Harbor.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Inside the MGM National Harbor.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Inside the MGM National Harbor.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Dining options inside the MGM National Harbor.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson has a new restaurant at MGM National Harbor.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Inside the MGM National Harbor.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Inside the MGM National Harbor.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Inside the MGM National Harbor.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Inside the MGM National Harbor.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Dining options inside the MGM National Harbor.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
Inside the MGM National Harbor.
(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)
Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com
WTOP reporter Kristi King takes advantage of the perks of a being a journalist: She checks out the new MGM National Harbor during a sneak peek ahead of the expected crowds Thursday.
(WTOP)
WTOP
(WTOP)
(WTOP)
(WTOP)
The main lobby of the MGM National Harbor on opening night.
(WTOP/Mike Murillo)
WTOP/Mike Murillo
People went straight for the casino on opening night.
(WTOP/Mike Murillo)
WTOP/Mike Murillo
At 9 p.m., the line to get into the parking garage of the MGM National Harbor was already long.
(WTOP/Mike Murillo)
WTOP/Mike Murillo
At around midnight Friday, cars were still streaming in.
(WTOP/Mike Murillo)
WTOP/Mike Murillo
String musicians played in the lobby of the MGM National Harbor opening night.
(WTOP/Mike Murillo)
WTOP/Mike Murillo
Security dog Kate kept things safe at the opening night of the MGM National Harbor.
(WTOP/Mike Murillo)
WTOP/Mike Murillo
At 3:30 a.m. Friday morning MGM Grand still at capacity. As guests left others were allowed in.
(WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
WTOP/Kathy Stewart
The MGM National Harbor casino and resort opens Thursday, Dec. 8. It’s being marketed as not just a casino but as a destination.
(WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
WTOP/Kathy Stewart
Inside the MGM National Harbor Friday morning, after the venue opened its doors Thursday at 11 p.m.
(WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
WTOP/Kathy Stewart
The crowd appears to have thinned Friday morning, despite signs saying the venue is at capacity.
(WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
WTOP/Kathy Stewart
People are still on the go early Friday morning, after MGM Grand National Harbor opened its doors Thursday at 11 p.m.
(WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
WTOP/Kathy Stewart
Friday morning outside the MGM National Harbor after the grand opening Thursday, Dec. 8.
(WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
WTOP/Kathy Stewart
Outside the MGM National Harbor Friday morning, after the grand opening Thursday night.
(WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
WTOP/Kathy Stewart
Early Friday morning at the MGM National Harbor, people continue to enjoy the perks of the venue.
(WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
WTOP/Kathy Stewart
The MGM lion is seen in front of the 23-story hotel during a preview tour of the MGM National Harbor, Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Md. The $1.4 billion National Harbor casino and resort, just outside the nation’s capital, is scheduled to open this week.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
A wall sculpture by Margaret Boozer that uses soil taken directly from MGM National Harbor’s construction site, is seen behind the hotel lobby desk, during a preview tour of the MGM National Harbor, Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Md. The $1.4 billion National Harbor casino and resort, just outside the nation’s capital, is scheduled to open December 8th.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Local artist Margaret Boozer made the art — a topographical map of the region, using 10,000 pounds of soil from the construction site at MGM National Harbor.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
The conservatory is the center focus at MGM National Harbor. The room is 80-feet tall with an all-glass ceiling. The theme of the room will change throughout the year — decorations that celebrate the Chinese New Year are up next.
( WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
The hotel tower can be seen from the conservatory. MGM National Harbor officials refer to the Maryland resort as a “boutique hotel,” since it has 308 guest rooms and suites, compared to 5,000 at MGM in Las Vegas.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
The lobby bar and lounge inside MGM National Harbor.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
The polished stainless steel sculpture “Fighting Cash,” by Liao Yibai, is seen during a preview tour of the MGM National Harbor, Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Md. The $1.4 billion National Harbor casino and resort, just outside the nation’s capital, is scheduled to open this week.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The ballroom at MGM National Harbor is 16,200 square feet. It has its own kitchen attached to the space.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
A portion of Bob Dylan’s “Portal,” a metal collage with an aquatic theme, is seen during a preview tour of the MGM National Harbor, Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Md. With an art collection of 72 pieces by 33 artists will flow throughout the casino and even outside. The $1.4 billion National Harbor casino and resort, just outside the nation’s capital, is scheduled to open this week.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The “Blossom” cocktail lounge is seen with a cherry blossom theme, during a preview tour of the MGM National Harbor, Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Md. The $1.4 billion National Harbor casino and resort, just outside the nation’s capital, is scheduled to open this week.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Slot machines in the casino are seen during a preview tour of the MGM National Harbor, Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Md. The $1.4 billion National Harbor casino and resort just outside the nation’s capital, advertises a gambling floor “bigger than the White House,” is scheduled to open December 8th.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The MGM National Harbor logo is seen around a roulette wheel in the casino during a preview tour of the MGM National Harbor, Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Md. The $1.4 billion National Harbor casino and resort just outside the nation’s capital, advertises a gambling floor “bigger than the White House,” is scheduled to open December 8th.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The casino at MGM National Harbor is 125,000 square feet. There is no entry fee to gamble, but visitors must be 21 or older.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
The casino at MGM National Harbor features a number of table games, including poker, and 3,300 slot machines.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
The “Blossom” cocktail lounge is one of the high-limit gaming areas inside the casino.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
An Asian gaming room inside the casino at MGM National Harbor.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
The theater at MGM National Harbor seats 3,000.
(Courtesy MGM National Harbor Casino and Resort)
Courtesy MGM National Harbor Casino and Resort
Ginger, a pan-Asian restaurant, is located in the conservatory space at MGM National Harbor.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Shake Shack is one of several fast-casual concepts inside the “National Market” section of MGM National Harbor.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
In lieu of a buffet, MGM National Harbor has a “National Market” section, featuring several fast-casual restaurant concepts. National Market is open 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
In lieu of a buffet, MGM National Harbor has a “National Market” section, featuring several fast-casual restaurant concepts. National Market is open 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
In lieu of a buffet, MGM National Harbor has a “National Market” section, featuring several fast-casual restaurant concepts. National Market is open 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Starbucks is another concept inside the “National Market” area of MGM National Harbor. It overlooks the casino.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
The bar area of Steak House by brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, is seen during a preview tour of the MGM National Harbor, Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Md. The $1.4 billion National Harbor casino and resort, just outside the nation’s capital, is scheduled to open this week.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Steak House is designed to look like a home. Each room is decorated with photos and personal belongings from brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s restaurant at MGM National Harbor is open 24 hours. Samuelsson is also designing the in-room dining options at the hotel.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
José Andrés’ seafood-focused restaurant, Fish, at MGM National Harbor.
(WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
A room on the 11th floor is seen during a preview tour of the MGM National Harbor, Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Md. The $1.4 billion National Harbor casino and resort, just outside the nation’s capital, is scheduled to open December 8th.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The two-person shower in a 23rd floor suite has a view that includes most of Washington, and Alexandria, Va., as seen during a preview tour of the MGM National Harbor, Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Md. The $1.4 billion National Harbor casino and resort, just outside the nation’s capital, is scheduled to open December 8th.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The MGM lion is seen in front of the 23-story hotel during a preview tour of the MGM National Harbor, Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Md. The $1.4 billion National Harbor casino and resort, just outside the nation’s capital, is scheduled to open this week.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
WASHINGTON — MGM National Harbor opened in Prince George’s County, Maryland, on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016.
The 24-story resort and casino includes 15 dining options, a 3,000-seat theater and 18,000-square- feet retail. Click through the gallery for photos of the new space.