Glitz, Glamour, Flashing Lights… Caesars Windsor

The Colosseum, Convention Centre, and Augustus Hotel Tower Is Now Open With Las Vegas Style Glamour



By Talitha Johnson-Writer/Reporter
Photos by HB Meeks
Tell Us Detroit



Windsor, Ontario has created a brand new face on the Canadian side of the Detroit River last month as it officially dropped the name Windsor Casino and re-opened its doors as Caesars Windsor Casino and Hotel Resort.

Guests at the opening gala rubbed elbows and basked in the company of royalty with appearances from Caesar, Marc Anthony and Cleopatra themselves; or, at least a make-believe theatrical feature of the royal trio, welcoming everyone to the celebration.

With more than 5,000 in attendance at its invite only VIP opening reception, guests watched in anticipation as Harrah's Entertainment Group and Ontario Provencal executives officially turn on the marquee lights high atop the all new Augustus Hotel Tower and opened its doors for business, bringing three-years of renovation to a close.

“We have been fully committed to making a substantial investment in this great facility,” said Kelly McDougald, CEO of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. “The superb amenities give us a major edge in attracting new and repeat visitors.”
 

	Photo by HB Meeks/Tell Us Detroit

Attendees had a first glance of the 100,000-square-foot convention hall, the 27-story hotel, Augustus Tower, with its soaring lobby, grand pillars, Romanesque art, larger than life-size statues and fountain.

The $439 million expansion and renovation pronounced Caesars Ontario’s first casino-resort, marking a new era of luxury and style in Canada. Many of the long-time Las Vegas veterans could not hold back the feeling of excitement and approval when they took their first look at Caesars Windsor.

“This is a tremendous property. It is not just the largest casino-resort in the Detroit-Windsor market, it is the largest casino-resort in Canada,” said Kevin Laforet, president and CEO of Caesars Windsor. “Combining this great facility with the world-renowned Caesars name makes Caesars Windsor a premier destination for world-class entertainment and getaways.”

Marking this a historical moment in time, its opening is the third Caesars Casino in the world and the only Caesars to reside outside of US borders. Since the casino shares the same name as the infamous Caesars in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, officials thought it was only fair for it to share the same rewards programs and perks as well.

“We have been fully committed to making a substantial investment in this great facility,” said Kelly McDougald, CEO of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. “The superb amenities give us a major edge in attracting new and repeat visitors.”

The large LCD flat-screen Jumbotron TV, which can be seen from the U.S. side across the Detroit River, showcases its extensive line-up of upcoming entertainment including; Chris Rock, Gladys Knight, Clint Black, Donna Summer, Ringo Starr, Reba, Smoky Robinson, Neil Sedaka, the Neville Brothers and more.

“Fourteen years ago it (Detroit area casinos) started here. Tonight is a redefining moment for this entire region, when it comes to gaming and gaming entertainment,” said, mayor of Windsor, Eddie Francis.

“This is our first expansion of the Caesars brand internationally and signals our commitment to and confidence in this market,” said Gary Loveman, chairman, CEO and president of Harrah’s Entertainment. “As the world leader in gaming, we are pleased to bring to Canada the customer-service excellence and first-class amenities that are the hallmark of the Caesars brand.”

Raising the stakes even higher at the poker table, the new resort-casino has increased the betting maximum from $5,000 to $50,000.
 

Photo by HB Meeks/Tell Us Detroit

As the evening came to a close, guests were invited to take a trip back down memory lane with a show-stopping performance by rock-star, Billy Joel. A packed house was among the first to experience the all new Collosseum — with 5,000 comfortable seats being larger than the industry standard. With state-of-the-art sound and lighting marks this venue as the largest of its kind within all of the Harrah’s properties.

“The scope and grandeur of the new casino complex is in keeping with its place as an economic driver and employer in the city and province,” said Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, David Caplan. “The McGuinty government’s support for the casino renaissance is a direct result of our commitment to strengthen Ontario’s economy and encourage local job creation.”

For more information on Caesars Windsor go to: www.caesarswindsor.com

No passport currently required to cross Detroit/Windsor land border for US Citizens. Approved ID is required.