Yes, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Plains Twp. is Pennsylvania’s first casino, but there’s much more to it than just those slots. This NEPA cash cow has brought hundreds of jobs and will bring hundreds more as it continues to grow. And, judging by the perpetually packed parking, the casino has become quite the destination.
“Momentum is the main word to describe where we’re at,” Vice President of Marketing Jim Wise said at a press conference last week. The conference was held to announce the 2008 harness racing season which began Tuesday, April 1 and continues every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday through Sept. 13. Post times are at 2 p.m.
This year, one of harness racing’s premier races, the 2008 Delvin Miller Adios, will be held at the Downs on Saturday, Aug. 1. Held every year at the Meadows Racetrack near Pittsburgh, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs was selected to host this year’s race due to construction at the Meadows. Hosting Pennsylvania’s richest harness race here means that some of the world’s finest horses will race on our local track.
A stellar harness racing season isn’t all Mohegan Sun has up its sleeves for 2008.
On Monday, the Downs announced the names of the dining and retail stores planned for Project Sunrise, the $208 million permanent casino project currently underway on site. The approximately 300,000-square-foot complex is set to open in August.
Dining options will be anchored by the world-famous Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Other establishments include the Italian Mediterranean-influenced Rustic Kitchen Bistro & Bar; Bar Louie, a neighborhood restaurant and bar; Timbers Buffet, which will pay tribute to the cultural heritage of the Mohegan Tribe and the sushi bar, Pearl. The Sky Food Court will have many options from nationally known chains offering hot dogs, burgers, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and the retro favorite, Johnny Rockets.
Retail stores will include fine apparel boutiques Marshall Rousso for women and Misura for men, two stores with locations in Las Vegas and Atlantic City establishments such as the MGM Grand and the Borgata among others. Crossing Vineyards and Winery, a 200-year-old Bucks County winery, will showcase its wine in the Crossing Vineyards Wine and Cheese Shop, with the locally owned igourmet offering its imported gourmet products. There are also plans for a fine jewelry boutique, a well-known electronic store and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs logo store.
Whether it’s the slots, the horses, the food or the shopping that will draw the crowds in, to say Mohegan Sun will have it all is an understatement. And that’s momentum that’s definitely on the rise.
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