Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel
Niagara Falls, New York
The Seneca Niagara celebrated its 10th anniversary with a major facelift and unveiled significant portions of its renovations in December.
The $26 million transformation will be most noticeable to visitors in the new gaming floor. New slot displays and contemporary table-game layouts, along with new furniture and lighting, have re-energized the 88,000-square-foot space.
One of the most noticeable additions to the gaming floor is a new bar, Stir, which features a video wall, live performances and a dance floor.
“The old bar was almost a barrier that sort of split the floor down the middle. Now, you can clearly see from one end of the floor to the other, and it’s much brighter and easier to navigate,” said Phil Pantano, a casino spokesman.
And while visitors may not see the $6 million upgrade to the ventilation system, they are already noticing the big improvement in overall air quality.
“The company is regularly investing in the property to enhance their customers’ overall experience,” said Pantano, noting that the renovation was preceded by upgrades to dining facilities in 2012 and by hotel room updates before that. “They’re selling an experience, be it a night out or a weekend away. We are mindful that people travel from Ohio, Pennsylvania [and] southern Ontario and across New York to come here, often passing other gaming facilities along the way. So they are willing to work at making it a positive experience.”
Hollywood Casino Jamul
Jamul, California
Workers have broken ground on a new collaboration between Penn National Gaming and the Jamul Indian Village in San Diego County. The Hollywood Casino Jamul is slated to open in late 2015 and will include a three-story gaming and entertainment facility with approximately 200,000 square feet, 1,700 slot machines, 50 live table games, multiple restaurants and an enclosed below-grade parking structure.
The casino’s exterior was designed to blend in with the terrain, but the interior will be styled to reflect classic Hollywood. Set on six acres of tribal land, the new casino is about 20 miles east of downtown San Diego.
“We are very excited that our long-time dream will finally become a reality,” said Raymond Hunter, chairman of the Jamul Indian Village of California. “We have worked tirelessly for well over a decade listening to the voices of the community, addressing concerns and, ultimately, developing a project that blends seamlessly into the region while creating approximately 2,500 much-needed construction and permanent jobs in our region. We look forward to continuing to be a good neighbor, as well as becoming a philanthropic leader and an active business partner in San Diego County.”
