MGM Resorts International and Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas Join Forces to Support ONE DROP

LAS VEGAS, March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and Cirque du Soleil®, two global organizations long renowned for inspiring and engaging entertainment, announced that they are joining forces in support of the mission of ONE DROP, a global non-governmental organization that promotes global awareness of the central role of water, one of our most precious common goods, essential to all life on Earth.

From March 20 to March 25, and in recognition of WORLD WATER DAY on March 22, MGM Resorts and Cirque du Soleil will donate the proceeds from ticket sales of performances of Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas shows to help further ONE DROP's mission.

Initiated by Guy Laliberte, Founder of Cirque du Soleil, ONE DROP is dedicated to fighting poverty worldwide through projects aimed at supporting access to water and raising awareness of water-related issues.

"At MGM Resorts, environmental sustainability is a key pillar of our vision for social responsibility," said Jim Murren, the company's Chairman & CEO. "We recognize that a comprehensive strategic approach to water stewardship is fundamental to the continuing survival of life on our planet. We also believe that access to safe water can serve as the lifeblood for social and economic development. We are honored to partner with Cirque du Soleil in support of ONE DROP in this vital area," Murren said.

Guy Laliberte, Founder of Cirque du Soleil and Chair of ONE DROP, said, "This incredible commitment from MGM Resorts International, Cirque du Soleil's business partner of nearly 20 years in Las Vegas, truly expresses one of the goals I had when I founded ONE DROP in 2007: creating a powerful ripple effect of solidarity made up of companies, individuals and people around the world. I am so grateful that MGM Resorts International will not only support in an important financial manner, but also shares our belief by raising awareness of this precious resource. This bring us one drop closer to realizing the dream of ensuring that safe water is accessible to all, today and tomorrow."

The United Nations WORLD WATER DAY is observed on March 22 to spotlight the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company has significant holdings in gaming, hospitality and entertainment, owns and operates 15 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has 50% investments in four other properties in Nevada, Illinois and Macau. One of those investments is CityCenter, an unprecedented resort destination on the Las Vegas Strip featuring its centerpiece ARIA Resort & Casino. Leveraging MGM Resorts' unmatched amenities, the M life loyalty program delivers one-of-a-kind experiences, insider privileges and personalized rewards for guests at the Company's renowned properties nationwide. Through its hospitality management subsidiary the Company holds a growing number of development and management agreements for casino and non-casino resort projects around the world. MGM Resorts International supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association's Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its gaming properties. The Company has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative, its community philanthropy programs and the Company's commitment to sustainable development and operations. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at mgmresorts.com.

Statements in this release which are not historical facts are "forward looking" statements and "safe harbor statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and/or uncertainties, including risks and/or uncertainties as described in the company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Cirque du Soleil
From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,300 artists from more than 50 different countries.  Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities in over forty countries on six continents. For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit cirquedusoleil.com.

About ONE DROP
ONE DROP--an initiative of Guy Laliberte, Founder of Cirque du Soleil--is a non-governmental organization established in 2007. ONE DROP fights poverty by supporting access to water and raising individual and community awareness of the need to mobilize so that safe water is accessible to all, in sufficient quantity, today and tomorrow. With its uniquely artistic approach, ONE DROP educates and implements site-specific safe water solutions while allocating microfinance loans to help ensure sustainable development. Worldwide, ONE DROP's ongoing creative projects also raise awareness about water-related issues and encourage smarter water practices. To learn more, visit ONEDROP.org.

SOURCE MGM Resorts International