A spectacular fireworks display ushered in a new era for the Las Vegas Strip as MGM Mirage welcomed the first guests to its Aria Resort and Casino on Wednesday.

Located at the heart of CityCenter, Aria is the centerpiece of the company’s billion-dollar urban resort destination.

"Aria and CityCenter reflect a combination of innovation, energy and visionary design that we believe will reshape how the world views the destination resort experience and attract visitors from around the globe as a landmark of taste and style," said Jim Murren, chairman and chief executive officer of MGM.

"CityCenter will become the benchmark by which all new developments will be measured and it won’t be surpassed in scope and grandeur for decades."