BILOXI – The sun was hot but it was pretty cool outside the Hard Rock Casino Biloxi on Saturday as guitars were smashed to open the resort almost two years later than originally planned – thanks to Katrina.
Hard Rock was just days from opening when the hurricane hit Aug. 29, 2005, destroying the casino barge and damaging the hotel.
For Hard Rock to rebuild even though it wasn’t able to open and earn even a nickel before the storm, “That’s Biloxi spirit, right there,” said Biloxi Councilman George Lawrence.
Dignitaries and celebrities alike smashed about 35 guitars under the huge Hard Rock sign on June 7, 2007 as planned. The resort actually opened last Saturday.
One of the owners and partners David Ross said, “I’m very happy with the way the market is receiving it.” Hard Rock Biloxi is a local spot with lots of local employees, he said, “and it’s their place.”
Ross watched Katrina smash into the Hard Rock on Web cams. His parents and friends came to share Saturday’s grand opening celebration with him.
Kid Rock rocked Hard Rock Live on grand opening night, leading off with Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” Before the end of his second song, “Son of Detroit,” he had played the crowd with as much dazzle as the glitzy trim on his black suit and let his long, blond hair down.
The opening of Hard Rock shows the country Biloxi is working its way back from the storm, said Mayor A. J. Holloway, and doing it in a big way. Borrowing a line from The Rolling Stones he declared, “I know it’s only rock ‘n’ roll – and I like it.”
Source: Sun HeraldÂ
BILOXI — Saturday was one of the luckiest days in the history of mankind. At least it was supposed to be, if you believe in the power of numerology.
It was July 7, 2007, or 7-7-07.
People headed to Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos, some of which were running seven-themed promotions. And nationwide, by one account, more than twice the normal number of couples got married.
Biloxi Casino Beau Rivage was doing bumper business. Officials there said people seeking lodging for Saturday had booked up the 1,760-room hotel months in advance.
Warren Mason, the casino’s vice president in charge of table games, said more than 35,000 people were expected to visit Saturday. A normal Saturday draws about 24,800, he said.
“People are talking about it, people are betting seven at the roulette tables and playing the seven-themed slot machines,” Mason said. “People were wanting to stay on the seventh floor, too.”
In the spirit of the auspicious date, the hotel was running a drawing called “Sweet Sevens.” Gamblers could enter to win one of seven $7,000 drawings that took place every 30 minutes starting — guess when — at 7 p.m.
Gamblers are, by nature, a superstitious bunch, Mason said.
He recalled a high roller who would bring a 5-foot-tall stuffed monkey with him to the blackjack tables. He said the gambler had the monkey dealt into the game, occasionally asking the stuffed primate for advice on how to play his hand.
Source: Press RegisterÂ
BILOXI – Margaritaville Casino moved closer to reality Thursday when plans cleared both the Biloxi Architectural Review Commission and Planning Commission.
“This is a good step,” said Hal Lamoreaux, Harrah’s Central Division project director, after the Planning Commission unanimously accepted the changes.
The amendments to the already approved master plan now go to the City Council before developers can apply for permits and begin construction of the $700 million casino resort on 47 acres. Gary Lechner, who sits on both commissions, said it normally takes about two weeks before the City Council hears the application.
Architectural Review commissioner Mike Hutter asked developers if the streetscape and signs will follow the Margaritaville theme.
“Every one of the Margaritaville restaurants around the world is designed for that location,” said senior project manager Mark Waggoner of Marnell Corrao Associates. In Biloxi, “The hotel takes flavor from Key West,” with octagonal towers and dormer windows that reflect Jimmy Buffett’s memories and his songs. Buffett was born in Pascagoula and grew up on the Coast.
“He wants it to be very carefully designed and detailed,” said Waggoner.
Instead of tall buildings, the resort will spread out along the beachfront from the Casino Magic property to the Grand Biloxi. Two pedestrian overpasses will cross U.S. 90 and connect Margaritaville to Harrah’s Grand Biloxi.
A variance was required for three marquees that will be placed at both ends and the center porte-cochere. Waggoner said they will be designed similar to properties in Las Vegas, where the signs take on the design flair of the property.
Detailing plans for the resort, Waggoner said Casino Magic will be renovated with 378 guest rooms and a new spa and salon. Grand Biloxi has an additional 494 rooms and Margaritaville will include a 420-room hotel with an outdoor shopping village, casino, meeting and convention space, ballroom and restaurants.
Lamoreaux said the test-pile program is complete at the site and Waggoner said the target opening of Margaritaville is in 2010.
Source: Sun Herald
More casino information can be found at Biloxi MS CasinosÂ
