MOTORCITY CASINO ROLLS OUT RED-HOT CARPET TO PUBLIC ON
THURSDAY, JUNE 7 AT NOON
Expansion celebrates Detroit’s auto, music and sports heritage and offers latest gaming technology

MotorCity Casino — the first permanent gaming location in Detroit — will roll out the red-hot carpet to the public at noon on Thursday, June 7, 2007 as it unveils its casino expansion. Owned by Detroit-area businesswoman Marian Ilitch, the facility is the only locally-owned and operated casino in Detroit and is the only 100% woman-owned casino in the United States.

“This will be a new destination for visitors from all over the world to come and experience the Detroit brand of high performance hospitality,” said Marian Ilitch. “I’ve always believed in Detroit, and in expanding MotorCity Casino, our team wanted to preserve what makes our heritage truly Detroit while investing in the new components that make it an entertainment destination.”

Casino Expansion Overview
The opening of the permanent casino is the first phase of a $275 million dollar renovation at MotorCity Casino’s current site. The project includes expanded gaming space totaling 100,000 sq. ft. and a new 17-story, 400 room hotel tower. The project also includes convention and banquet space, a 1,200 seat theater, a spa, retail outlets, new dining options and additional parking and is expected to be complete in fall 2007. This project will change the face of entertainment in the City of Detroit by offering a spectacular combination of entertainment, banquet, spa and gaming options that draw on Detroit’s automotive, music and sports heritage. The expanded facility incorporates the historic Wagner Baking Company building and has been under construction since 2006. The cornerstone of the Wagner Baking Company is being fully restored to its original condition circa 1915,
preserving the signature feature of the 85-year-old Detroit landmark.

Advanced Gaming and Design Technology
The expanded gaming facility boasts of the latest technology which includes many industry firsts to set the mood for guests. The new gaming technology and “must see” design elements include internationally- recognized custom car designer Chip Foose-designed ceiling comprised of millions of multi-color LEDs capable of displaying video and more than 256,000 colors; and the “Radio Bar,” which will host live broadcasts from the top stations in Detroit and VJs will broadcast throughout the Casino while streaming audio live on the Internet. Foose joined the expansion project as a design consultant in summer 2006 and has been instrumental in bringing technology, automotive design and cutting-edge architecture to the project.

MotorCity Casino Opening
Gregg Solomon, CEO of Detroit Entertainment, L.L.C., hopes guests will enjoy a totally integrated experience. “Everything is connected in one way or another — the lights, the sound, the signage and the technology is such that we can offer the best customer service, the most visually inviting environment and a high-end gaming experience at every table and slot machine,” Solomon said. “We have implemented bold thinking into the entire project and our guests are going to reap the rewards of these efforts.”

Local Impact
Ilitch said the casino will help attract visitors to the city. “I remember the years of splendor where downtown was the place to be. I am a true Detroiter. I love my city. Everywhere I look at this project, I see pieces of Detroit that blend with an exciting entertainment hub,” she said. “MotorCity Casino is going to change the face of hospitality and Detroit — it will truly be a destination location.”

MotorCity Casino first opened in 1999 as one of three temporary casinos in the Detroit market. MotorCity has been instrumental in the community since opening its doors and today, in addition to offering cutting edge entertainment options, MotorCity Casino has also served as a catalyst for change and improvement in its historic Corktown neighborhood. Security and safety have improved, and brighter street lighting and traffic signals have been installed. The original construction project transformed 17 acres of blighted neighborhood into a major entertainment complex. The casino has helped create a stable environment for additional development, including the development of the Woodbridge Estates residential project of which MotorCity Casino is a sponsor.

“We at MotorCity Casino hope to continue the revitalization of the surrounding community with the new location now permanently in place,” said Ilitch. “We have a long tradition of reinvestment in the City of Detroit and expect that will continue. Our vision is to be a part of the future of Detroit and make our hometown a city that we can all be proud to call home.”

Photos By Ron Harper/Tell Us Detroit
click images to enlarge