And down the stretch they come – three months ahead of schedule.
Resorts World New York, the latest incarnation of the Aqueduct Racino in South Ozone Park, announced a condensed opening schedule on Thursday, March 17. The new timetable will allow the cutting-edge casino at Aqueduct Raceway to open its doors with far more components in place months earlier than expected.
When the casino opens this summer, 2,500 Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) will be operational as opposed to the originally slated 1,600.
Mike Speller, president of Resorts World New York Casino, said that this accelerated schedule allows for the project to be completed in two phases rather than three, which was the original plan.
“This accelerated schedule will allow for not only a more robust opening and better customer experience with more food and beverage facilities than previously planned, but the completion of the facility – including the operation of all 4,525 VLTs – by the end of 2011, three months ahead of schedule,” said Speller.
According to Speller, not only will more VLTs be operational when the first stage launches but the main entry – the porte cochere – the international buffet and the parking garage will be part of the initial opening as well.
Other elements opening in phase one include a seven-outlet food court, The 360 Bar and entertainment space and a grab-and-go quick food outlet. All elements slated for phase three completion are now opening in phase two, which is set to be completed by the end of 2011.
One of those components will be the hotly anticipated sky bridge connecting the A train station directly to the casino entrance.
Other phase two elements, aside from the remaining 2,000 VLTs, include two fine dining restaurants, Genting Palace and RW Prime; an additional grab-and-go food outlet; Colony Lounge and VIP Crockfords Casino; and another bar with views of the first floor entertainment bar.
Once fully operational, Resorts World New York is expected to permanently employ about 1,000 workers in the entertainment, hospitality, security and food service fields.
