<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (September 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (September 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> When the latest MGM Grand opened on December 18, 1993, it was owned by MGM Grand Inc . At that time it had an extensive Wizard of Oz theme, including the green "Emerald City" color of the building and the decorative use of Wizard of Oz memorabilia . After entering the casino's main entrance, one would find themselves in the Oz Casino facing Emerald City . Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion were seen in front of the city . The Emerald City attraction featured an elaborate yellow brick road walk - through, complete with the cornfield, apple orchard, and haunted forest, as well as audio - animatronic figures of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Wicked Witch of the West . It would end at the door of the city, leading inside for a performance of "The Wizard's Secrets". When MGM Grand began its extensive refurbishment in 1996, the Oz Casino was the first to go . The Emerald City was completely demolished, and the Emerald City Gift Shop was moved to a new shopping section of the casino . The store remained open until early 2003 . </P> <P> Originally, the main entrance on the Strip was under the head of a giant cartoon - like version of MGM's logo, Leo the Lion, but this entrance feature was changed to a more traditional entrance . In 1998, a large bronze statue of Leo was added above the entrance to keep with the MGM Lion theme, while not scaring away guests . The statue weighs 50 tons, and at 45 feet (14 m) tall, on a 25 - foot pedestal, is the largest bronze statue in the U.S. </P>

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