Empress Casino getting Hollywood makeover earlier than expected
By Bob Okon
John Patsch/Staff Photographer 06/25/09 Tony George of Plainfield cashes out his slot machine dering the reopening of the Empress Casino.
A Hollywood-style makeover at Empress Casino Joliet is set to debut Dec. 22 with a new $65 million entertainment pavilion and a new name -- Hollywood Casino Joliet.
The makeover reflects the classic style and glamour of 1930s art deco Hollywood complemented by modern video imagery technology, the entertainment pavilion will contain: Final Cut Steakhouse and piano bar; Epic Buffet; Hollywood Stadium sports bar (opening February 2011); and Rodeo Drive Gift Shop, according to a casino press release.
The pavilion will feature a new exterior design in keeping with a classic Hollywood theme, and guests will enter the facility via the porte cochere valet parking area or the entranceway leading from the casino’s self-park garage. The pavilion will be marked by a giant chandelier; a 120-foot serpentine video wall to greet players with exciting video graphics, vintage commercials, and animation; and a video marquee that is a modern-day version of the historic Chicago Theatre sign.
The pavilion replaces the casino’s former Egyptian-themed entertainment facility destroyed in a March 2009 fire. It expands the number of dining and entertainment choices available to guests since the casino re-opened in June 2009.
The relaunch also means for jobs. Almost 160 positions have been created at the casion in preperation for the opening, according to the press release. The numnber of workers is expected to be at 953 when the pavilion opens, 116 more than the number of employees before the fire.
Hollywood Casino Joliet will share the Hollywood brand name with its sister property in Aurora. The two Penn National Gaming properties plan to introduce a joint players card program in early 2011, allowing guests to earn and use points between the two properties simultaneously.
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