MGM Resorts International to Mark EARTH HOUR

LAS VEGAS, March 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The resorts of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) in Las Vegas will mark EARTH HOUR by turning off exterior lighting, rooftop signage, marquees, and front features from 8:30-9:30 pm Pacific Daylight Savings Time (PDST) on March 31, 2012.

"This event is designed to build awareness of the importance and impact of conservation and begins in New Zealand and progresses around the world, culminating in the Pacific Time Zone of the United States. Las Vegas is always recognized as one of the flagship cities for EARTH HOUR in the U.S.," said Cindy Ortega, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer for MGM Resorts International.

Ortega said that environmental responsibility is a core company value for MGM Resorts that is woven into and throughout its culture and business operations.

"For our guests, environmental stewardship is becoming a key area of awareness. Our customers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their expectations, and we are proud to be a leader in demonstrating that environmental responsibility and a superior guest experience go hand-in-hand with world-class hospitality and entertainment," Ortega said.

The company has saved 200 million kilowatt hours of energy at its properties -- equivalent to 17,400 homes -- while reducing 56,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

MGM Resorts also co-developed CityCenter, the largest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - New Construction Gold certification rating in the world for the six buildings within the CityCenter campus, including the ARIA hotel tower and convention center. LEED certification is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council based on a project's environmental design, construction and operations. 

For the second consecutive year, MGM Resorts is listed among Newsweek Magazine's 500 most environmentally responsible companies in the United States, and also as the highest ranking company in the casino resort industry.

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 EARTH HOUR
EARTH HOUR is organized by the World Wildlife Fund: http://www.earthhour.org/page/about/about-earth-hour

SOURCE MGM Resorts International