Saturday, June 30, 2007

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Hard Rock Casino in Missouri opens today

By Sarah Polson

Billoxi, Mo., was one of the hard-hit areas during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, experiencing huge losses in homes and businesses. That devastation included the Hard Rock Casino which was just days from its grand opening when the hurricane hit.

Now, two years later, the Hard Rock Casino is finally ready to open its doors. It is opening today at 10 a.m., not quite two year's later than its original August opening in 2005, but a week early for its new opening.

"We're ready," said Joe Billhimer, Hard Rock Casino president and chief operating officer, in the Clarion Ledger.

The resort cost $150 million to rebuild after costing $235 million the first time around. It's the same initial design except it sits on pilings instead of a barge now.

Visitors will find a 12-story hotel with 318 rooms, including 26 suites, pus seven places to eat and a 1,200 capacity entertainment venue.

The casino is set up with 1,445 slot machines, 50 table games, and a poker room.

The Hard Rock is also paying tribute to the hurricane that delayed its opening by two years. A display case will showcase photos of the hurricane-ravaged resort as well as guitars and other memorabilia that were recovered after Hurricane Katrina.

Related Articles:

• Bay St. Louis Casino Will Re-Open Aug. 31
• Mississippi Casino to Re-Open Year after Hurricane Katrina

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