Grand opening sees PENN’s newest land-based property replace its former riverboat casino
PENN Entertainment has celebrated the grand opening of Hollywood Casino and Hotel Aurora, its new $360 million state-of-the-art casino and hotel in Illinois.
PENN’s newest land-based property replaces the former riverboat property that operated on the Illinois shores of the Fox River since 1993.
The company hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday, featuring Illinois Gaming Board officials, area dignitaries, state legislators, and team members, prior to opening to the public.
Inside the 388,500 square foot facility, guests will have access to more than 1,000 of the newest slot machines, over 50 table games and a baccarat room, as well as a retail sportsbook.
“We are proud to officially welcome guests and players to the exciting, all-new Hollywood Casino and Hotel Aurora,” said Jay Snowden, CEO and president of PENN Entertainment. “Together with our landside move in Joliet last summer, we have reinvested over $500 million in the Chicagoland market over the last three years, resulting in more jobs, meaningful state and local tax revenue, and further enhancing the region as a must-visit destination.
“Our roots in Aurora run deep, and we are committed to extending our 33-year legacy as a leader in world-class dining, hospitality, entertainment, gaming, and guest experience for years to come.”
Rafael Verde, senior vice president of regional operations for PENN, commented: “Today marks an exciting new chapter for Hollywood Casino and Hotel Aurora, made possible through support from the city of Aurora, the Illinois Gaming Board, and all of our partners, including the hundreds of tradesmen and women who built this incredible new property from the ground up.
“We are grateful for these partnerships and are eager to showcase the collaborative effort to transition from riverboat gaming to an entertainment destination.”
Shares in PENN Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ:PENN) closed 0.59 per cent lower at $20.38 per share in New York Wednesday and were up 1.32 per cent in after-hours at $20.65 per share.