PENN Entertainment, Inc. announced that it expects to open the new land-based Hollywood Casino Joliet to the public on Monday, August 11, pending customary regulatory approvals. PENN’s newest casino is scheduled to open nearly six months ahead of the Company’s originally scheduled construction timeline.
The new state-of-the-art destination entertainment facility will anchor Rock Run Collection, a new super-regional commercial and residential development, conveniently located adjacent to the Interstate 80 and Interstate 55 interchange that estimates to have 230,000 passing vehicles daily. The best-in-class property will feature approximately 1,000 slots and 43 live table games, including a baccarat room, a retail ESPN BET sportsbook, an approximately 10,000 square foot event center with meeting areas, and roughly 1,330 parking spaces. The Company expects to have approximately 600 team members at the new casino, growing PENN’s employee roster in Joliet by 200.
“The countdown to the opening of our newest casino begins today,” said Jay Snowden, Chief Executive Officer and President for PENN. “The move from our existing riverboat significantly improves our offerings in the highly attractive Chicagoland market, and both our existing customers and new guests will be able to enjoy premier gaming, dining, and entertainment at this exceptionally accessible new location.”
Hollywood Casino Joliet will introduce numerous world class quality dining experiences for guests to enjoy. As previously announced, PENN has partnered with celebrity chef and entrepreneur Giada De Laurentiis to debut her fusion of classic Italian cuisine and modern California influence in the Chicagoland region for the first time. Sorellina by Giada will offer approximately 170 seats for dining and a contemporary bar featuring a comprehensive wine selection with a light, young, and casual aesthetic.
PENN has also partnered with McClain Camarota Hospitality (“MCH”) to bring prominent Chicago chefs and restaurants to Hollywood Casino Joliet. Through this partnership, the property will feature the Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, a dynamic dining experience that will include Lucky Goat, an all-new burger concept from celebrity chef Stephanie Izard; Antique Taco, the first suburban location for the popular gourmet taco restaurant; Pretty Cool Ice Cream, the Chicago favorite that also has store fronts in Logan Square and Lincoln Park; and Five50 Pizza, a New York-style meets Neapolitan pizza concept offering from the fine dining chefs at MCH.
“We’re thrilled to partner with these elite restauranteurs to bring amazing dining options to the new Hollywood Casino Joliet,” said Todd George, Executive Vice President of Operations for PENN. “These concepts will create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the property and provide our patrons with an array of food and beverage offerings that are unmatched in the market.”
Additional details related to the grand opening of the new casino will be provided in advance of August 11. The Company expects to work with the Illinois Gaming Board on the transfer of operations from the existing Hollywood Casino Joliet, which is located on the Des Plaines River, to the new landside facility as the opening date nears.
In the third quarter, PENN anticipates accessing approximately $130 million in funding from Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. for this $185 million project.