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Treasure Island made its first impression outside the casino. On the evening of October 26, 1993, visitors watched a full-size pirate battle before entering Steve Wynn’s new resort. Lynn Waddell’s next-morning report describes public entry shortly after 10 p.m., earlier than the advertised October 27 opening. The ships and lagoon turned a stretch of the Strip into a free spectacle.
A permanent home for Mystère
The resort belonged to Mirage Resorts, but its pirate setting gave it a separate identity from the neighboring Mirage. Architects Joel Bergman and Jon Jerde worked with interior designer Roger Thomas on the themed environment. Another lasting attraction arrived indoors: Mystère premiered on December 25, 1993. Cirque du Soleil describes its purpose-built theatre as the company’s first permanent theatre designed specifically for one of its shows.
From pirate village to TI
In 2003 the same resort adopted the shorter TI branding and an increasingly adult focus. A new marquee replaced the skull-and-crossbones sign, while Sirens of TI replaced Battle of Buccaneer Bay. Jerry Fink’s report from the October 26 premiere describes a musical production of singing, dancing, stunts and pyrotechnics. This was a makeover of Treasure Island, not the opening of a different casino.
Ruffin takes ownership
Ownership changed on March 20, 2009, when MGM Mirage completed its sale to Ruffin Acquisition. MGM’s filing records $775 million in sale terms: $600 million cash and a $175 million secured note. It also offered a $20 million discount for early repayment of the note. That distinction matters when comparing accounts quoting different purchase prices; the filing itself does not establish that the option was exercised.
When the outdoor shows ended
The outdoor shows ended in 2013. A September report had described a temporary autumn shutdown for a shopping-center project. By November, a resort spokeswoman confirmed permanent cancellation. A later photograph of a ship in the lagoon therefore records what remained of the attraction, rather than evidence that the performances continued.
A new hotel affiliation
A further change involved the hotel’s commercial affiliation. Accor and owner Phil Ruffin announced a Handwritten Collection franchise agreement in July 2025. The resort’s current website identifies both Ruffin’s private ownership and its Handwritten Collection affiliation. It continues to operate as Treasure Island: a franchise connection and the earlier TI makeover do not create replacement casinos on this site.