Hollywood Casino Joliet celebrated the official opening of the all-new, land-based property by PENN Entertainment, Inc on Monday. Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy along with Penn officials welcomed invited guest to celebrate the completion of the new property.
The $185 million state-of-the-art casino replaces the former riverboat property that operated on the shores of the Des Plaines River since 1992.
Legislators and area dignitaries, Illinois Gaming Board officials, Chicago Bears executives and NFL legend and Joliet native Tom Thayer joined PENN team members for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Hollywood Casino Joliet then opened its doors to the public. In its massive new property are 1,000 of the newest slot machines, 43 table games, and a retail ESPN BET™ sportsbook. Also included are dining and premier guest experience led by celebrity chefs.
“We would like to officially welcome players and guests to the all-new Hollywood Casino Joliet,” said Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment. “
“This opening marks an exciting new era of entertainment in Joliet,” said Todd George, Executive Vice President of Operations for PENN.
“We’re grateful for the support from the city of Joliet, the Illinois Gaming Board, and our business and community partners who contributed to the successful development of this new property. We look forward to
delivering an elevated experience with world class dining, entertainment, and gaming options for patrons across the region.”
The entertainment destination employs approximately 600 team members and generated around 450 construction jobs. Open seven days a week and 24 hours a day, the fun and excitement will continue 365 days a year.
There are multiple world-class dining options throughout the property. Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis has opened Sorellina by Giada an upscale restaurant that combines De Laurentiis’ signature fusion of classic Italian cuisine and modern California influence.
The restaurant seats roughly 170 guests and features a unique menu of pastas, pizza, and more and it’s also open to all ages.
Boulevard Food & Drink by James Beard award winning chef and restauranteur McClain Camarota is also open to all ages with both indoor seating and an outdoor patio with a fire pit, Boulevard Food & Drink Hall includes Chicago favorites Antique Taco and Pretty Cool Ice Cream, as well as Five50 Pizza and Lucky Goat, an all-new burger concept from fellow James Beard Award-winning celebrity chef Stephanie Izard.
In addition to the numerous betting opportunities and massive screen highlighting the hottest sports action from around the world, ESPN BET is also a full service, classic casual restaurant that seats roughly 185 patrons in the dining room and bar. Guests can enjoy a wide array of food and beverage options.
Red Lotus Asian Kitchen will serve patrons authentic made-to-order Asian cuisine, featuring popular noodle and southeast Asian specialties. It is designed to excite the senses in a sleek open kitchen. Nearby on the gaming floor is & Vine, a 100-seat bar and entertainment lounge. It will offer distinctive beverages and live entertainment.
In addition, Hollywood Casino Joliet’s 10,000 square foot event center includes a customizable layout to accommodate weddings, galas, community events, concerts, sports events, meetings, and more. The event center is also accessible to all ages.
The Hollywood Casino Joliet, operated by PENN Entertainment land-based entertainment destination is located at 1401 Gateway Blvd., Joliet, IL. For more information, visit www.hollywoodcasinojoliet.com
