Year Won: SugarHouse Casino Celebrates First Anniversary

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- After an extremely successful first year, SugarHouse Casino commemorated its "Year Won" milestone today with an anniversary program and luncheon for community leaders, elected officials and other invited guests from Philadelphia. Event highlights included the recognition of SugarHouse's team and neighbors, and an announcement of what's next for Philly's casino.  

On Saturday, Sept. 24, SugarHouse is hosting a Philly Block Party with a full day of music, food and fun.

2011 "Best Places to Work"

SugarHouse Casino has been named one of this year's "Best Places to Work" in the eighth annual ranking presented by the Philadelphia Business Journal. The Best Places to Work program ranks the top-50 employers in the Delaware Valley, according to scores given to the companies by their own workers.

Employees from SugarHouse were asked to complete an online survey ranking their workplace on a variety of questions relating to team effectiveness, alignment with goals, respect, recognition and benefits, among other areas. With more than 1,000 employees, SugarHouse earned a top spot in the "extra-large company" category.

"We're so proud of our team at SugarHouse, and our successful first year can be attributed to their hard work and enthusiasm," said Wendy Hamilton, general manager of SugarHouse Casino. "Our team, in just one year, has made SugarHouse a leading entertainment destination."

Sept. 24 Philly Block Party Celebration

SugarHouse's first anniversary celebration will culminate in an outdoor Block Party for guests 21 and older on Saturday, Sept. 24. The free event will be packed with Philly food providers and musical performances from noon until 10 p.m. in the casino's parking lot along Delaware Ave. At 8:30 p.m., The Hooters will headline the free concert lineup featuring six other live bands earlier in the day, which will kick off with a special performance by the Philadelphia Mummers.

The block party will conclude with a free fireworks show on the Delaware River at 10 p.m., with the best viewing spots from The Waterfront at SugarHouse Casino.

The Big Win: Economic Impact

Since opening, SugarHouse has generated millions of dollars in tax revenue for both the city and state. This includes nearly $53 million in state tax, more than $6 million in local share assessment, approximately $7.7 million for the Economic Development and Tourism Fund and approximately $18 million for the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Fund, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (as of Sept. 18, 2011).

At today's midday event, SugarHouse also honored its community commitment by presenting the Penn Treaty Special Services District (SSD) with a contribution of $500,000. The check presentation came two weeks before its scheduled payment date of Oct. 8, bringing the total SSD contribution to more than $1 million.

The SSD is a municipal authority established in 2010 that provides services, security, planning and maintenance to the Penn Treaty area of Philadelphia, which includes the neighborhoods surrounding the casino—Fishtown, South Kensington, Old Richmond and Northern Liberties.

SugarHouse has worked with the SSD since the organization's establishment, providing funding to local initiatives, parks and community improvement projects. Usage of the funds is determined exclusively by the SSD through a grant request form and a review process.

Other beneficiaries of SugarHouse's community support over the past year include the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service and Education Center; Shalom, Inc.; Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Philadelphia; the Philadelphia Police Department 26th District; the American Red Cross; the Philadelphia Mummers; and more.

The casino has sponsored some of the city's most notable traditions and events, including the New Year's Eve fireworks display and the annual Philadelphia Flower Show.

SugarHouse Casino Shares Expansion Concepts

Most notably at the first anniversary luncheon, SugarHouse leadership shared its concepts for a large-scale expansion of the casino's property, pending regulatory and other necessary approvals.

This expansion brings the total investment in Philadelphia's first and only casino to more than $500 million, leading to an estimated addition of 500 full- and part-time jobs at the casino.

Doubling in size, SugarHouse will grow from 106,000 gross square feet to approximately 250,000 gross square feet. This growth is designed to accommodate an expanded gaming floor, which will include a poker room and a more spacious high-limit room, up to four distinct restaurants and bars—with extended outdoor dining—and a parking garage that will allow for more than 500 additional spaces. The casino's public river walk will also increase in size to include a longer bike path and more landscaped waterfront access.  

The anticipated completion of this project is scheduled for fall 2013, with construction beginning in mid-2012.

For more information on SugarHouse Casino, its "Year Won" celebration and additional expansion details, please visit www.sugarhousecasino.com.

ABOUT SUGARHOUSE CASINO

SugarHouse Casino, named a 2011 "Best Places to Work" by the Philadelphia Business Journal, opened in September 2010 as Philadelphia's first casino. SugarHouse features 1,602 slots, up to 53 table games, fun and unique dining options, riverfront views and free on-site parking. The casino employs approximately 1,000 people and is one of 10 operating casinos in Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.sugarhousecasino.com.

SOURCE SugarHouse Casino