New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Hundreds of Elvis fans from around the world gathered on the front lawn of Graceland today to celebrate Elvis Presley's birthday as construction of The Guest House at Graceland, the new, 450-room, full-service, world-class resort opening later this year, continued at a rapid pace just steps away from iconic mansion in Memphis. Graceland officials and the
Memphis and Shelby County Mayors officially celebrated with a birthday cake cutting and a proclamation of
Elvis Presley Day on the front lawn of Graceland. Complimentary birthday cake was served to all visitors throughout the day in Graceland Plaza. Other birthday events include the opening of the new "Elvis in Hollywood: From Teen Idol to Leading Man" exhibit, fan club gatherings and a special concert by the
Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
It was also announced today The Guest House at Graceland is now taking room reservations for the 2017 Elvis Birthday Celebration, January 5-8, 2017. The 2017 Birthday event will be the biggest Elvis Birthday Celebration event in Graceland history, with major celebration events taking place "indoors" on the Graceland campus for the first time, in addition to the annual Proclamation ceremony on the front lawn of Graceland. To make Guest House at Graceland reservations, visit Graceland.com/GuestHouse or call Graceland reservations at 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322.
Reservations for the historic, star-studded Guest House at Graceland Grand Opening Celebration, October 27-30, 2016, which first went on sale several weeks ago, continue to be booked at an incredible pace, and room availability is now limited. The opening weekend celebration will feature Presley family members and a full roster of Elvis friends and VIPs.
Reservations at The Guest House are also being accepted for November and December 2016 with special events planned throughout these debut weeks, including Graceland's annual Christmas Lighting weekend, November 17-20, 2016.
The Guest House at Graceland is the most significant enhancement to Graceland since it opened to the public in 1982 and the largest hotel project in
Memphis in over 90 years. It was recently named by the Sydney Morning Herald in Australia and The Points Guy travel blog as one of the 16 most exciting hotel openings worldwide in 2016. Inspired by Elvis' iconic home, aspects of The Guest House at Graceland will reflect Elvis' personal style and the unique character of Graceland, from the southern colonial exterior to themed specialty suites, many with designs supervised by
Priscilla Presley.
The 2016 birthday celebrations conclude this Sunday, January 10, with special Elvis tribute tours of
Memphis in addition to the regular tours of the Graceland mansion and grounds.
For more information about The Guest House at Graceland, visit Graceland.com/GuestHouse.