Grand Opening of the New $208 Million Casino and Entertainment Complex at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs Brings New Life to Northeastern Pennsylvania

    WILKES-BARRE, Pa., July 17 /EMWNews/ -- This morning, Mohegan Sun at

Pocono Downs officially opened the doors of its new $208 million gaming and

entertainment complex. At 9:30am, Bobby Soper, President and CEO of Mohegan

Sun at Pocono Downs welcomed a crowd of eager players and kicked off a

grand opening ceremony. The festivities included a Mohegan Tribe ritual

Smudge Pot Ceremony, four world champion parachutists carrying a 500 square

foot banner, and the Color Guard of the Pennsylvania National Guard 109th

Field Artillery Battalion of Wilkes-Barre.



    Mr. Soper used the opportunity to express his gratitude to the state of

Pennsylvania, and the surrounding community of Northeastern Pennsylvania,

"This day is possible due in large part to the spirit of cooperation and

commitment by the community of North Eastern Pennsylvania. This is really

is your casino."



    With 55,000 square feet of new gaming space hosting 2,500 slot and

electronic virtual table games, many new to Pennsylvania, the new Mohegan

Sun at Pocono Downs offers players unparalleled opportunities for gaming

success.



    Pennsylvania's first casino is the first in the Commonwealth to offer

games that are new to the market including: Wheel of Fortune Multi Level

Progressive, Diamond Jackpots, Red Hottie, Press your Luck/Monopoly

(community games,) GameMaker, Bonus Frenzy, Spin & Win, Bagpipe Bonus,

Quick Hit 5 level Progressive, Power Progressive, All About Money, Anything

But Six, Super Times Pay, Golden Gate Artic Fox, Dean Martin, Ruby Ring and

Houdini.



    Mohegan Sun machines utilize the latest in coinless ticket in-ticket

out technology providing convenience while permitting wagers from one cent

to $100. At the center of the casino the bright and spacious Sunburst Bar

offers 33 video poker multi-game machines. There is also a High Limit Room

for those who wish to make wagers of Five to $100 and a "High Rollers VIP

Lounge."



    Visitors to Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs will also find 300 slot and

electronic virtual table games across the bridge to what was Phase One of

the complex.



    The new Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs brings to the region previously

unavailable culinary choices including the regional debut of Ruth's Chris

Steak House, a premier name in fine dining, regarded by many as the best

steakhouse in the country.



    Another stellar entree on the restaurant roster is Rustic Kitchen

Bistro and Bar, a unique food and entertainment attraction offering an

Italian Mediterranean-themed menu and a live television cooking

presentation studio presenting daily shows called "In the Kitchen" hosted

by Mountain Top, PA native and cooking show celebrity chef, Kate Gabriele.



    Bar Louie is a casually cool neighborhood-flavored restaurant and bar

wildly popular for its signature sandwiches, wine bar and handcrafted

martinis. Bar Louie features a large selection of uniquely prepared

appetizers, deluxe burgers and hearty entrees at prices that won't break

the bank. Warm surroundings with an urban feel are further brought to life

with live entertainment at least three nights a week.



    In an intimate, hip setting offering contemporary design you'll find

the freshest sushi at Pearl Sushi Bar, exuding an atmosphere that might

only be expected in the finest settings in Manhattan or Los Angeles.



    Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs pays tribute to the cultural heritage of

the Mohegan Tribe in the 300 seat Timbers Buffet offering an almost

unlimited presentation of diverse food options for lunch and dinner. Tribal

history and culture will be on display in the unique design and finishes,

as will delicious food from diverse styles in a nearly endless series of

stations.



    Located on a two-hundred-year-old Bucks County, Pennsylvania estate,

less than a mile from Washington's 1776 crossing of the Delaware, Crossing

Vineyards and Winery has crafted an impressive history of its own by

winning numerous medals and accolades from the wine industry. Crossing

Vineyards 'fruits of the vine' are showcased at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

in the Crossing Vineyards Wine and Cheese Shop.



    Crossing Vineyards produces four distinct tiers of wine from the finest

Pennsylvania grapes that are processed within hours of harvesting to ensure

quality. To complement Crossing Vineyards premium wines, West Pittston,

Pennsylvania's igourmet.com will offer imported specialty gourmet food

products in the shop along with their complete line of exquisite gift

baskets.



    A highlight of the Sky Food Court is Johnny Rockets, part of an

international retro diner-style restaurant chain, providing the food and

friendliness reminiscent of feel-good Americana. Other eateries include

Puck Express by Wolfgang Puck, super-premium Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, the

Hot Dog Hall of Fame and a Betty & Joe's Coffee House and Bakery.



    Bar offerings are headlined by the Sunburst Bar, located in the center

of the casino. The place to see and be seen, Sunburst Bar offers the latest

in video poker machines at the bar area along with table seating. Breakers,

meanwhile, is a bar that will shake things up, with live bands playing

current hit music, stunning bartenders who serve drinks and periodically

get up on the bar to dance and large screen televisions for sporting

events.



    The new Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs includes 7,000 square feet of

retail space occupied by such quality shops as Brookstone, Marshall Rousso

women's couture, men's fine apparel boutique Misura, Crossing Vineyards

Wine and Cheese Shop, Reflections and MOGO, the Mohegan Sun logo and

souvenir shop.



    For more than 30 years, Marshall Rousso has ensured that women, who

want to look dazzling, are beautifully dressed. From glamorous evening wear

to hip casual clothing, Marshall Rousso offers remarkable styles to women

who appreciate being noticed. Marshall Rousso also offers a wide assortment

of stylish accessories, including an extensive collection of handbags and

an impressive selection of footwear from such designers as Beverly Feldman,

Mia, Betsey Johnson, and Kathy Van Zeeland.



    Specializing in exceptional tailoring for men with impeccable taste,

fine apparel boutique Misura offers a remarkable selection of clothing,

shoes and accessories from some of the most desired designers in men's

fashion, including Ralph Lauren, Tommy Bahama, Calvin Klein, LaCoste and

Cole Haan.



    Reflections, a jewelry store of contemporary styles for men and women,

offers the latest in jewelry of all shapes and gems, plus fine watches from

top designers.



    The best way to access the amenities at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is

to use the Players Club loyalty card. Now the most valuable gaming card in

the Commonwealth, inserting this card in any slot machine or virtual table

games earns points, which are good for reduced pricing or complimentary

offers which can be redeemed at every restaurant or retail shop in the new

property.






    CONTACT:

    Jim Wise, Vice President of Marketing

    Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

    (Office) 570-831-2110

    (Cell) 570-793-5414



    Stephen Gary

    Norton, Lipp & Associates, Inc.

    484-887-1500 ext 50

    [email protected]