Photos: MGM opens at National Harbor | WTOP News

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)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - DECEMBER 08: 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) — 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)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - DECEMBER 08: 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) — 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)

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)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - DECEMBER 08: Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake (L) and 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) — 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)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - DECEMBER 08: 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) — 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)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - DECEMBER 08: MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren (L), John Warner, and guests 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) — 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)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - DECEMBER 08: Maryland Senator 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) — 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)

The MGM National Harbor on opening day. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

The MGM casino and resort at National Harbor opens Thursday. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (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 — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan speaks at the grand opening ceremony for the MGM National Harbor Dec. 8. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com

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) — 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)

Violinist Ken Ford during a grand opening ceremony for the MGM National Harbor. (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) — 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)

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) — 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)

Sarah Jessica Parker is opening her first stand-alone boutique store at the luxury resort and casino.
(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)

Sarah Jessica Parker is opening her first stand-alone boutique store at the luxury resort and casino.
(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)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. Bruno Mars plays the casino's 3,000-seat theater on Dec. 27(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)

Dining options inside the MGM National Harbor.(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Dining options inside the MGM National Harbor.(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson has a new restaurant at MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Dining options inside the MGM National Harbor.(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (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)

The scene *here will change frequently @MGMnatlharbor @NationalHarbor @WTOPtraffic pic.twitter.com/5iL5aiALqr
— Kristi King (@kingWTOP) December 8, 2016

((WTOP))

Patio: @MGMnatlharbor @NationalHarbor @WTOPtraffic pic.twitter.com/fQX9L89epe
— Kristi King (@kingWTOP) December 8, 2016

((WTOP))

What a couple hundred bucks or so gets you @MGMnatlharbor @NationalHarbor @WTOPtraffic pic.twitter.com/sAZChUtA2Z
— Kristi King (@kingWTOP) December 8, 2016

((WTOP))

The main lobby of the MGM National Harbor on opening night. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)

People went straight for the casino on opening night. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)

Traffic piles up outside MGM National Harbor in Prince George's County, Md. hours before the casino's public opening on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016. (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)

At around midnight Friday, cars were still streaming in. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)

String musicians played in the lobby of the MGM National Harbor opening night. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)

Security dog Kate kept things safe at the opening night of the MGM National Harbor. (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) — At 3:30 a.m. Friday morning MGM Grand still at capacity. As guests left others were allowed in.

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) — 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)

Inside the MGM National Harbor Friday morning, after the venue opened its doors Thursday at 11 p.m. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)

The crowd appears to have thinned Friday morning, despite signs saying the venue is at capacity. (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)

Friday morning outside the MGM National Harbor after the grand opening Thursday, Dec. 8. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)

Outside the MGM National Harbor Friday morning, after the grand opening Thursday night. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)

Early Friday morning at the MGM National Harbor, people continue to enjoy the perks of the venue. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)

Welcome to the $1.4 billion MGM National Harbor casino resort which opens tonight at 11. @wtop pic.twitter.com/wXWXZFofEG
— Kathy Stewart (@KStewartWTOP) December 8, 2016

https://twitter.com/KStewartWTOP/status/806849552250798080

https://twitter.com/KStewartWTOP/status/806850202657325056

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. (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)

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) — 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)

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)

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)

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)

The lobby bar and lounge inside MGM National Harbor. (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) — 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)

The ballroom at MGM National Harbor is 16,200 square feet. It has its own kitchen attached to the space. (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 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) — 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)

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) — 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)

FILE — 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) — 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)

Maryland Lottery and Gaming says MGM National Harbor's gaming revenue totaled $57.7 million in April. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, file) — 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)

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)

The casino at MGM National Harbor features a number of table games, including poker, and 3,300 slot machines. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)

The “Blossom” cocktail lounge is one of the high-limit gaming areas inside the casino. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)

An Asian gaming room inside the casino at MGM National Harbor. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)

The theater at MGM National Harbor seats 3,000. (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)

Shake Shack is one of several fast-casual concepts inside the “National Market” section of MGM National Harbor. (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)

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)

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)

Starbucks is another concept inside the “National Market” area of MGM National Harbor. It overlooks the casino. (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) — 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)

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)

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)

José Andrés’ seafood-focused restaurant, Fish, at MGM National Harbor. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)

A room on the eleventh 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) — 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)

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) — 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)

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) — 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)

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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)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - DECEMBER 08: 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)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - DECEMBER 08: 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)

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)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - DECEMBER 08: Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake (L) and 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)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - DECEMBER 08: 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)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - DECEMBER 08: MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren (L), John Warner, and guests 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)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - DECEMBER 08: Maryland Senator 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)

The MGM National Harbor on opening day. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

The MGM casino and resort at National Harbor opens Thursday. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (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

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)

Violinist Ken Ford during a grand opening ceremony for the MGM National Harbor. (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)

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)

Sarah Jessica Parker is opening her first stand-alone boutique store at the luxury resort and casino.
(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)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. Bruno Mars plays the casino's 3,000-seat theater on Dec. 27(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Dining options inside the MGM National Harbor.(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Dining options inside the MGM National Harbor.(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson has a new restaurant at MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Dining options inside the MGM National Harbor.(Courtesy Shannon Finney, www.shannonfinneyphotography.com)

Inside the MGM National Harbor. (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)

The main lobby of the MGM National Harbor on opening night. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)

People went straight for the casino on opening night. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)

Traffic piles up outside MGM National Harbor in Prince George's County, Md. hours before the casino's public opening on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)

At around midnight Friday, cars were still streaming in. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)

String musicians played in the lobby of the MGM National Harbor opening night. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)

Security dog Kate kept things safe at the opening night of the MGM National Harbor. (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)

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)

Inside the MGM National Harbor Friday morning, after the venue opened its doors Thursday at 11 p.m. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)

The crowd appears to have thinned Friday morning, despite signs saying the venue is at capacity. (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)

Friday morning outside the MGM National Harbor after the grand opening Thursday, Dec. 8. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)

Outside the MGM National Harbor Friday morning, after the grand opening Thursday night. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)

Early Friday morning at the MGM National Harbor, people continue to enjoy the perks of the venue. (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. (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)

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)

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 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)

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)

FILE — 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)

Maryland Lottery and Gaming says MGM National Harbor's gaming revenue totaled $57.7 million in April. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, file)

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)

A room on the eleventh 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)

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)

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)

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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.

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