MGM Lion in Place at Soon-to-Open MGM National Harbor

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Look through your binoculars and you might see that the MGM lion is now in place, ready for his close up at the soon to open MGM National Harbor, just across the Potomac River from Alexandria. The resort's grand opening is set for Dec. 8.

The MGM signature piece and company logo, the lion, arrived last week via flatbed truck. It sits high on the hill, underneath the MGM sign on the hotel, overlooking National Harbor. Weighing in at 2 tons and reaching 18 feet in the air, the steel-framed structure is located on the south side of the resort along Harborview Avenue, adjacent to the entrance.

MGM is excited about their new resident and is getting the word out Wednesday on Twitter:

As the opening becomes closer, the resort is rolling out loads of information about the glitzy casino, including concerts that are coming up, which include Cher, Sting, Bruno Mars, ZZ Top, Earth, Wind & Fire and more.

The $1.4 billion, 23-acre resort casino is much anticipated in Northern Virginia as well, with local businesses hoping to capitalize on visitors and tourists spending time in Alexandria and Fairfax County.

"After years of planning, designing and developing, we are thrilled that the moment is almost upon us to share this very special resort with the community and visitors from around the world," said Lorenzo Creighton, president of MGM National Harbor, in a news release about the opening. "We are grateful to Prince George's County, the state of Maryland and all of the local designers, artisans and businesses that have collaborated with us to deliver this international resort with very local roots."

Bill Boasberg, the resort's general manager, said, "On December 8, MGM National Harbor will introduce something unprecedented to one of the country's most popular travel destinations. Under one roof, guests will enjoy a sophisticated hotel experience, high-energy casino, celebrity-chef restaurants, world-class entertainment, nightlife, destination spa, upscale retail and curated art, complemented by incredible panoramas of D.C., Maryland and Virginia."

When guests arrive at the resort, they'll see the lion as well as Potomac Plaza, featuring a fountain and reflecting pool alongside sweeping vistas overlooking the harbor, Potomac River and the nation's capital.

The resort will mark its grand opening with the unveiling of a picturesque two-story floral attraction, envisioned by event and interior designer Ed Libby. The 15,000-square-foot Conservatory will use botanical creations to "captivate the imagination with sights and colors of winter, spring, summer and fall - along with a special display in celebration of Chinese New Year," the resort recently announced.

Here’s a look at the casino resort, by the numbers:

• Casino size: 125,000 square feet
• More than 3,300 slot machines
• Hotel rooms: 234
• Suites: 74
• Retail space: 12,000 square feet
• Restaurants: 12
• Executive chefs: 3
• Jobs when completed: 3,600 (about 80 percent full-time)
• Construction workers on site: More than 1,000
• Parking spaces: 5,000

When the resort opens, the dozen restaurants will include eateries by bold-name chefs Marcus Samuelson, Jose Andres and Voltaggio Brothers.

PHOTOS of MGM lion courtesy of MGM. See more photos of the MGM lion above (click to enlarge).