New casino operators take reins June 11
‘Steady progress’ continues at new theatre
Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment is expected to assume dayto-day operations at the two casinos in Niagara Falls June 11.
The commercial gaming company, headquartered in Connecticut, will also operate the Niagara Falls Entertainment Centre, scheduled to open later this year.
MGE was selected by Ontario Lottery and Gaming in September to be the new service provider following a procurement process.
While MGE will be responsible for day-to-day gaming operations, OLG will continue to provide oversight of the industry in Niagara.
Construction on the $130-million entertainment facility adjacent to Fallsview Casino, next to the Hilton Hotel, began in the fall of 2017.
At the time, officials said the 5,000-seat, 200,000-square-foot centre at the corner of Stanley Avenue and Murray Street, which will be connected to Fallsview Casino by an enclosed pedestrian walkway, is expected to open in June 2019.
OLG selected Niagara Falls Entertainment Partners to be responsible for all development capital and maintenance costs associated with the theatre.
Niagara Falls Entertainment Partners is a consortium which includes Mississauga-based construction company Bird Construction.
When asked if the June time line is still on track, OLG spokesman Tony Bitonti said the facility is scheduled to open this year and the agency will provide more details on timing “as the steady progress continues.”
“There is labour activity that is impacting a number of construction projects in the region,” he said, pointing to a province-wide sheet-metal workers’ strike.
When asked if the strike is impacting construction work at the centre, Bitonti said: “The best I can say is that we are monitoring impacts and will have more information in coming weeks.”
MGE could not be reached for comment Friday.
MGE is the owner, developer, and/or manager of integrated resorts throughout the United States, as well as northern Asia.
The company owns and operates the Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the Women’s National Basketball Association, and the New England Black Wolves, a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League.
Mayor Jim Diodati said once the entertainment facility opens in Niagara Falls, visitors will be “thrilled” with the “attention to detail.”
“These people get it, they’re the very best at what they do,” he said of Mohegan, pointing to all the awards and accolades the company has received for its venues.
For example, MGE’s 10,000seat Mohegan Sun Arena is ranked consistently among the top venues in the world. It has won many awards, including for casino of the year, and arena of the year.
“They’re bringing that talent and expertise here to Niagara Falls,” said Diodati.
“I think people in western New York and southern Ontario are in for a treat to see how you run a top-notch, world-class entertainment facility, right here in Niagara Falls.”