Ceremonial ribbon cutting opens new $25.4 million, 66,000-square-foot casino
HAMBURG, N.Y. (Sept. 2, 2010) – The new Hamburg Casino at the Fairgrounds, in conjunction with the Erie County Agricultural Society, today celebrated the grand opening of the new $25.4 million gaming and entertainment center at the Erie County Fairgrounds.
The 66,000-square-foot facility, funded through the New York State Division of Lottery Capital Allowance Fund, is 34 percent larger than the previous gaming area beneath the raceway grandstand. It features a large, open floor plan and is conveniently connected to the Fairgrounds Event Center, the popular trade show and event center at the fairgrounds.
Amenities include several dining options, a bar and lounge, a private banquet room, more than 50 flat-screen televisions, a large live entertainment stage and a newly paved and expanded parking lot.
Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, which manages the gaming, food service and other entertainment at the venue for the Buffalo Trotting Association, oversaw the construction of the new facility. Delaware North Companies is a global leader in hospitality and food service and one of the largest privately held companies in the world.
“The new Hamburg Casino offers a fresh and modern entertainment destination to Western New York,” said General Manager Ellsworth Gaskill. “New games, a beautiful new bar, live bands and delicious food – all within a spacious, contemporary facility – will no doubt impress guests, old and new.”
Joining Gaskill in cutting the ribbon to formally open the new casino were William Bissett, president of Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment; and State Sen. William Stachowski.
The new gaming venue features 939 popular gaming machines, including Wheel of Fortune, Red Hot Jackpot, Quick Hits, Hot Shot, Mr. E Wins, Big City 5’s, Deal or No Deal, Reel Mania Blazing 7’s, and Double Jackpot Triple Blazing 7’s. The new venue is set to be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Guests will see their favorite dining options return, as well as the addition of a few new ones, all of which will be overseen by Delaware North Executive Chef Tab Daulton. Restaurants and bars include:
- The Midway Buffet, where up to 258 guests can treat themselves to a variety of different foods, including Italian, Seafood, American Fare, a carving station with prime rib and rotisserie chicken, and a salad and dessert bar. The buffet will also feature another station which will continuously change to bring variety with such foods as Asian, Southwestern, Cajun, Polish and more.
- The Cyclone Bar, with seating for 164 guests to enjoy their favorite beverages and signature cocktails while watching their favorite sports games or entertainment on the new, large stage.
- The Blue Ribbon Grill, featuring delicious sandwiches, burgers and fries.
- Tim Horton’s, a local favorite, offering fresh-brewed coffee, tea, donuts, muffins and cookies.
- A banquet facility that later this year will be offered for private parties, meetings or gatherings of up to 80 people.
Hamburg Casino is adding about 30 jobs to accommodate the new casino’s expanded operations. The casino’s staff will be about 280.
The Hamburg Casino at the Fairgrounds is currently pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification. The building is 40 percent more water efficient than the previous facility and includes sub-meter devices to maintain energy efficiency. Other environmentally friendly practices include energy efficient windows, ventilation monitoring to ensure inflow of fresh air, and a highly reflective roof to avoid overheating and to reduce air conditioning use. Additionally, the casino will offer free valet parking for hybrid car users and guests who car pool.
The casino opened during the popular Erie County Fair, which takes place on the Fairgrounds through Aug. 22. Different promotions are running throughout the formal Grand Opening Weekend, Sept. 3 to 6. Promotions include a 2011 Ford Mustang giveaway; Grand Opening Weekend prizes of Hometown Football season tickets and $15,000 in cash; IGT $100 hot seats; door buster T-shirt giveaways; and a concert with Bobby Vinton.
For more information on The Hamburg Casino at the Fairgrounds, call 646-6109, or log on to www.thehamburgcasino.com, the casino’s re-launched website.