The saying, "The third time's the charm," couldn't ring more true when it comes to Mohegan Sun's third major expansion, Project Horizon. On August 29th, one of the largest gaming facilities in the world will get a little bigger as it opens the first portion of its $925 million expansion, the 64,000 square-foot Casino of the Wind, which will offer a 42-table poker room, more than 650 slot machines, 28 table games, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, and Chief's Deli - a quick-service restaurant.
"We are very excited to reveal Casino of the Wind to the world," said Mitchell Etess, President and CEO of Mohegan Sun. "The Rockwell Group, who have been our architects since the beginning in 1996, have outdone themselves. This may be their best work yet."
The new facility, which broke ground in June 2007, makes its much-anticipated debut on Friday, August 29th at 10:00am immediately following a Tribal blessing and ribbon cutting ceremony. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville is slated to open in September 29th.
To celebrate the latest milestone in Mohegan Sun history, the property has planned a month-long celebration beginning October 1st. The festivities include a poker tournament with one of the largest guaranteed prize pools on the East Coast, daily car giveaways, signature drinks, stellar entertainment, celebrities and so much more.
Stacking Up the Chips
It's "˜Aces Up' in the new 42-table poker room with Mohegan Sun's first major poker tournament, featuring one of the largest guaranteed prize pools on the East Coast. Mohegan Sun's Super Stack Tournament, with a guaranteed prize pool of $750,000, will kick off with preliminary qualifying tournaments on October 1st, with finals being held October 22nd through 26th. For specifics on Mohegan Sun's Super Stack Tournament, visit mohegansun.com/wind.
And the Beat Goes On
From international Pop stars to celebrity Rock groups and famed comedians, Mohegan Sun's three music venues will host a stellar lineup of entertainment during the month-long grand opening celebration of Casino of the Wind.
Having sold over 40 million albums worldwide, Enrique Iglesias, with special guest Aventura, will start the month off right playing in Mohegan Sun's 10,000-seat Arena on October 2nd. The Arena, which was recently ranked within the top 25 on Pollstar'slist of top 100 worldwide arena venues and #5 by Billboard Magazine for venues seating 5,001 - 10,000, will house legendary Pop sensation Janet Jackson on October 11th.
Also on October 11th, the powerhouse lineup of celebrity artists called Band From TV, will grace the stage of Mohegan Sun's Wolf Den. The group, which includes acclaimed actors like Teri Hatcher and James Denton of Desperate Housewives, as well as Hugh Laurie of House and Greg Grunberg of Heroes, among others, helps raise money for charity with their performances.
Mohegan Sun Arena then becomes a laugh factory when funnymen Bill Engvall and Robin Williams take the stage. Engvall, who is best known for the Blue Collar Comedy Tour with Jeff Foxworthy and his TBS series, The Bill Engvall Show, will perform on Thursday, October 23rd while legendary actor and comedian Robin Williams, from Happy Feet and Good Will Hunting, will have the crowd's sides splitting on Sunday, October 26th.
The month-long lineup of stellar entertainment starts to round out with one of the greatest Rock groups in history, The Who, which will play the 10,000-seat Arena on Tuesday, October 28th. The Who were inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and are famous for their powerful music and energy on stage.
$750,000 Ride Like the Wind
Going green just got a little easier as Mohegan Sun gives away 31 hybrid cars in 31 days as part of the $750,000 Ride Like the Wind promotion. Beginning October 1st, Player's Club members will have the opportunity to win a Toyota hybrid vehicle, as well as Cash, Player's Club points and Free Slot Play Bonus instantly just by swiping their card at any promotional kiosk in either Casino of the Earth or Casino of the Sky.
For more information on Mohegan Sun's $750,000 Ride Like the Wind promotion, visit mohegansun.com/wind or any Player's Club booth after September 26th.
It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere
During October, Mohegan Sun will also introduce a new signature drink Windswept. The commemorative drink goes for $15.00 and is a blend of two special hand-crafted spirits - Bull Dog Gin and St-Germain Elderflower liqueur - mixed with a dash of Pama liqueur, pomegranate juice and garnish served over ice with a topping of Moet & Chandon Imperial Champagne.
Windswept will be available throughout the month of October at the new bar in Casino of the Wind, the Star Bar, Leffingwells Martini Bar, Todd English's Tuscany, Birches Bar & Grill, the Cove and at The Cabaret Theatre.
Hollywood Comes to Connecticut
Mohegan Sun will roll out the red carpet in October, as various A-list celebrities will stop by to check out the new Casino of the Wind. From the red carpet to the poker and blackjack tables, spot your favorite celebrities throughout the month at Mohegan Sun. Check mohegansun.com/wind for all the latest updates on the grand opening celebrations.
About Mohegan Sun
Mohegan Sun is currently in the midst of Project Horizon - a multi-million dollar expansion that calls for a new 920-room hotel, featuring 261 House of Blues-themed rooms and an exclusive members-only House of Blues Foundation Room™. The expansion also includes additional retail and restaurant space, and a new 64,000 square-foot Casino of the Wind. Upon full completion in 2010, Project Horizon is expected to add more than 1.4 million square feet to Mohegan Sun's existing structure.
Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribe, is one of the largest, most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and meeting destinations in the United States. Situated on 240 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or by visiting mohegansun.com.