MGM National Harbor Opens Thursday Night

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD -- The $1.4 billion MGM National Harbor casino and resort opens its doors to the public late Thursday night, Dec. 8, just across the Potomac River from Alexandria.

The resort will open to the public Thursday starting at 11 p.m. After it opens, the resort will be open 24 hours a day.

“We are excited to welcome our first guests to the resort December 8 and want to ensure everyone has a smooth, fun experience,” said Bill Boasberg, general manager of MGM National Harbor in an announcement. “We encourage guests to plan their transportation method and route ahead of time and be aware that the parking garage won’t open until 10:30 p.m. that evening.”

Travel tips to avoid delays, traffic

• Consider taking ride-share services such as Uber or taxis
• MGM National Harbor is located at 101 MGM National Avenue which can be accessed from I-495 (Exits 2A-2B) when driving from Virginia. (If you're smartphone rejects the address for being too new, try 7100 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD.)
• The Metro Bus #NH2 from the King Street Metro, Delaney Street in the Carlyle neighborhood, Eisenhower Metro and Huntington Metro stop provide the closest Metro rail service to the resort from Northern Virginia. Service runs from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. If you're leaving from the King Street Metro Station, you'll board the bus in Bus Bay A; from Huntington, you'll board the bus in Bus Bay C. See more information here about theNH2 route.
• If you're driving, MGM National Harbor will offer self-parking, and the garage will open at 10:30 p.m. on December 8.
• Water taxi service: Potomac RiverBoat Company operates a water taxi boat service between Old Town Alexandria (right behind the Torpedo Factory) to National Harbor. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. Service begins at 10:45 a.m. and continues every hour and 20 minutes until 11:30 p.m. (See more information on hours here.) Plans are being discussed to add a shuttle service at the National Harbor dock to MGM. Patch will offer updates as soon as that information becomes available.

Detailed driving directions and additional information about alternate transportation options can be found by visiting the MGM National Harbor website.

Dining at MGM National Harbor

If you plan on dining at MGM on opening day or in the near future, you can now visit Open Table or call (844) 646-7778 to make reservations.

The $1.4 billion luxury gaming resort will be home to new concepts by several acclaimed chefs. It marks the introduction of Chef Andrés’ unique seafood-focused concept, Chef Samuelsson’s debut in the DMV region, and the first time the Maryland-native Voltaggio brothers have partnered to develop a restaurant.

Reservations can now be made for the following dining destinations at MGM National Harbor:

• FISH by José Andrés

Inspired by and celebrating the bounty of the nearby Chesapeake Bay Watershed, FISH is a seafood-focused restaurant concept from acclaimed Chef José Andrés. The restaurant's menu will highlight not only local favorites such as Maryland blue crab and oysters from the Rappahannock River, but also traditional seafood preparations and dishes from around the world. The bold and colorful design of the space draws from the bustling energy of a fish market and brings guests close to the action with an interactive dining experience, including an undulating seafood bar and a wall of aquariums and tanks showcasing the day's catch.

• MARCUS by Marcus Samuelsson

Marcus Samuelsson's restaurant, MARCUS, will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner selections featuring classic American dishes with the chef's signature twist, as well as local Maryland ingredients and traditions. The cuisine will be prepared in an open kitchen while classic cocktails are created at two festive bars. The restaurant, Samuelsson's first in the region, also will feature live entertainment and a variety of craft beers.

• Voltaggio Brothers Steak House

Voltaggio Brothers Steak House by brothers and acclaimed chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio marks the first joint restaurant venture for the duo, known for their shared successes on Bravo's Top Chef. The restaurant menu will feature both familiar and nuanced offerings such as dry-aged cuts and playful riffs on classic steakhouse fare including shrimp cocktail, wedge salad and the twice baked potato. Reflective of its namesake, the space itself will mirror a home complete with nostalgic design elements and childhood photos of the Voltaggio family.

• Ginger

A Pan Asian restaurant, Ginger will offer authentic cuisine from regions throughout the continent including Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean menu selections. The concept was developed by a team of expert chefs from MGM Resorts’ properties in Las Vegas and named for a common ingredient found in all Asian cuisine. Warm, organic wood interiors will create an inviting space along with traditional dishes, such as dim sum, congee, curry, fried noodles and kim chee, that brings memorable dining experiences for those seeking a genuine taste of the Orient.

• TAP Sports Bar

At this high-energy restaurant and sports bar designed to emulate the Las Vegas location, guests will enjoy the latest sporting events while surrounded by memorabilia from local sports teams including the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins and Washington Nationals. The menu will feature American sports bar favorites with a local touch such as lobster beignets, Maryland crab soup, burnt ends BBQ pork baguette and Maryland crab cakes. TAP offers an extensive selection of bottles and draughts including local and seasonal craft brews and the restaurant features an outdoor patio for al fresco dining.

For reservations, visit Open Table or call (844) 646-7778

Employment at MGM National Harbor

The resort is still hiring a few good men and women. Check out career opportunities on their Web site here.

Also read:

• MGM National Harbor Will Benefit Entire Region, MGM CEO Says
• New Bus Service Connects Alexandria and National Harbor
• MGM National Harbor Concerts Schedule
• Sarah Jessica Parker's First Boutique to Open at MGM National Harbor
• MGM National Harbor Unveils Luxury Suites Decor
• MGM National Harbor Opening: A Look at Dining Options
• MGM Partners with Clarins on 'The Spa + Salon at National Harbor

PHOTO of MGM National Harbor courtesy of MGM