BRIDEGEPORT, NY - The Oneida Nation's Point Place Casino in Bridgeport will open its doors at 10 a.m. Thursday, less than a year after plans were announced to build it near the Madison County-Onondaga County line.
The grand opening will feature costumed entertainers, appearances by local officials, a ceremonial log-cutting and chances for guests to win cash, Free Play, dining credits and more.
The first 1,000 people who are first in line will get a T-shirt, Oneida Nation officials said.
The $40 million casino is off Route 31 near the corner of Bridgeport-Kirkville Road in the town of Sullivan in Madison County - less than 1,000 feet from the Onondaga County line.
The 65,000-square-foot casino has parking for more than 800 cars, along with 500 slot machines and 20 table games.
Open 24 hours a day, the casino will employ 200 people - mainly full-time workers but some part-time, officials said.
"It's got a whole different feel and vibe to it than our other casinos,'' said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation representative and Nation Enterprises CEO. "It has that outdoor, Adirondack feel, and we've drawn from all the natural elements around us."
The smoke-free casino also has two fast-casual restaurants:
- Wicked Good Pizza, which has locations at Yellow Brick Road Casino in Chittenango and Turning Stone in Verona
- The Burgers of Madison County, a family-friendly restaurant with burgers, milkshakes and more.
The restaurants and bars have seating for more than 325 people.
These two restaurants have entrances from the outside, so families with children or others can dine without going into the casino.
The casino also has two bars: The Fireside Lounge, and Paddle Bar. There also are three heated outdoor patios - the only spots where smoking will be permitted.
The casino plans local bands several nights a week. An indoor wood-burning fireplace with seating is open in The Fireside Lounge.
Opals Confectionery, a chocolatier and bakery with a shop at Turning Stone, also will have a shop at at Point Place.Â
Halbritter said he believes the casino will be successful, and will draw primarily from the surrounding area.
"There's plenty of market here,'' he said. "We are very careful about our investments. It's not just spontaneous. We wouldn't build the property if we thought the market wasn't there. "
The casino also should benefit the Bridgeport area, he said, because it gives people some new entertainment and restaurant options in the area.
The casino machines feature technology that allows visitors to order and pay for their drinks on the machine, Halbritter said.
Halbritter said at this time there are no plans to build another casino, or to build a hotel near Point Place.
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