[toc]Now that all the legal hurdles are behind them, the group behind the new Pennsylvania casino in the Stadium District of Philadelphia can start looking forward.
That is exactly what the group behind the Philly Live! casino project is doing too. The firm released an updated fact sheet on the property, including some key dates for construction.
Philly Live! construction will begin next year, open in 2020
After three years of inactivity, construction crews will break ground on the project next year. The state approved the casino in 2014, but a legal fight from SugarHouse Casino and others held up the site’s progress.
However, the passage of the new gambling expansion law changed gaming laws enough that SugarHouse dropped its suit. As a reuslt, Philly Live! was ready to resume development early last month.
The Cordish Companies is one of the groups behind the new project. The company owns and operates several entertainment complexes under the Live! banner. It also has another casino, Maryland Live!
Cordish recently updated the info sheet on the new Philadelphia property, which will be adjacent to the company’s existing Xfinity Live! entertainment and shopping center.
Construction on the property begins next year. The doors are set to open in 2020.
The $600 million facility will create 3,000 construction jobs. When it comes time to open the facility, the group will need to fill 2,000 permanent jobs.
Philly Live! to feature 2,000 slots, 125 table games
The previous price tag on Philly Live! was $425 million. Blame inflation or blame loftier plans, but the cost on the project is now projected at $600 million.
That chunk of change will build a casino floor equipped with 2,000 slot machines in addition to 125 table games.
To put that amount of gaming in context, here is a look at the other major casinos in the state:
- SugarHouse Casino: 1,600 slots and 54 table games
- Harrah’s Philadelphia: 2,900 slot machines and 86 table games
- Rivers Casino Pittsburgh: 2,900 slot machines and 130 table games
- Sands Bethlehem: 3,000 slot machines and 200 table games
- Parx Casino: 3,500 slot machines and 130 table games
In addition to the gaming, the facility will also include a boutique hotel on site. The current plan is to build around 200 rooms for the facility.
Finally, there will be a 2,600-space parking garage.
Cordish hopes for one-of-a-kind gaming experience
In its updated stat sheet, Cordish also points out how much the new Philly Live! casino will integrate with existing entertainment options in the Stadium District area.
Here are some of the company’s thoughts, directly from the project’s website:
“The project will be conveniently located in the heart of the Stadium District in South Philadelphia, immediately proximate to XFINITY Live!, The Cordish Companies’ premier dining & entertainment district. The project will create the first comprehensive gaming, resort, entertainment and sports destination in the United States, making it a true regional destination.”
The location to the major league sports stadium is a new wrinkle for Pennsylvania. In particular, if sports betting ends up being a go in the Keystone State.
Photo by Tupungato / Shutterstock.com
