August 2009 Archives

Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel in Cherokee, NC, announces the September 1st Grand Opening of Sequoyah National Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 72 championship course. Designed by golf architect Robert Trent Jones II and Native American golf pro Notah Begay III, the casino golf course is owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and managed by Troon Golf, prominent developer, marketer and manager of upscale golf properties.

Sequoyah National is set against the spectacular backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Designed at 6,700 yards from the back tees, the course's five sets of tees challenge every level of player. The clubhouse sits atop a hill with panoramic views of the mountainous Cherokee homeland.

Guests at Harrah's Cherokee have privileged access to Sequoyah National through Harrah's Cherokee Service Connection Center and Casino Host Teams. All guests can play Sequoyah National utilizing Reward Credits; VIP guests receive monthly offers for two rounds of golf through the hotel's loyalty program. Rack rates are $85 weekdays; $110 weekends.

Harrah's Cherokee is currently undergoing a $633 million expansion to position the property as the premier gaming destination in the Southeast and a world-class resort for leisure and business travel. The property's Master Plan is currently the largest hospitality expansion project underway in the Southeast and one of the largest in the U.S., offering the greatest number of hotel accommodations in the state.

Upon completion in 2012, the 37-acre property will have added a third guest tower (533 luxury rooms and suites), 3,000-seat events center, entertainment and VIP lounges, 16,000-square-foot spa, state-of-the-art digital poker room, Asian gaming room, new restaurant and retail outlets, and new hotel and casino parking garages. It is also renovating current casino facilities and doubling the casino floor to 150,000 square feet while increasing video and table game capacity. The new facilities will utilize the Eastern Band of Cherokee's important collection of Native American art portraying local culture. Significant investment is also being made in sophisticated technology and group services ranging from business and conference support to catering services.

For information: 1-800-HARRAHS or www.harrahs.com.

Greektown Casino-Hotel will host the Detroit Lions' weekly Thursday night radio show from Shotz Sports Bar on 97.1 FM WXYT "The Ticket." The one-hour program, "Shotz Sports Bar Lions Rap," will air every Thursday at 7 p.m. during the eighteen-week regular season and will be hosted by local Detroit sports personality Tony Ortiz along with Lions' players Larry Foote, Ernie Simms and Kevin Smith. Each show will focus on a discussion of the next upcoming game and feature player comments, listener call-ins, and an interview with Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz. Fans are invited to come down to Shotz Sports Bar, located on Monroe Street and just off Greektown Casino's hotel lobby each Thursday to see the show live.

"We are happy to be able to bring this excitement to our new sports bar, Shotz, at Greektown Casino-Hotel and support the Lions," said Amanda Totaro, VP Marketing at Greektown. "It's important for everyone in the community to support our local sports teams and in turn, the local economy. We wish the Lions the greatest success in the upcoming season and would like to welcome fans to Shotz Sports Bar to join us for the show, live every Thursday night."

Located at 555 E. Lafayette Boulevard in Detroit's Greektown Entertainment District, Greektown Casino-Hotel opened on Nov. 10, 2000. Readers of The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press have voted Greektown Casino-Hotel Michigan's and Detroit's "Best Casino" numerous times. Greektown Casino-Hotel offers such amenities as their all-new International Buffet, the Eclipz Lounge and a VIP lounge for players. In addition to being named "Best Casino" by readers of The News and Free Press, Greektown Casino-Hotel also placed first in other categories in The News' reader survey, including "Best Slots," "Best Wait Staff Outfits," "Best Craps Tables," "Best Blackjack Tables," "Best High Rollers Area," "Best Casino Restaurant," and "Best Casino Entertainment." Greektown Casino-Hotel opened its new 400-room hotel tower February 2009. For reservations and group events, call 877-GCH-5554 or visit greektowncasino.com.

Source: Greektown Casino Hotel

Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas is preparing to welcome 25 of the greatest legends in sports history and 25 world famous Poker Pros for the first-ever Poker News Sports Legends Challenge presented by AbsolutePoker.net, a four-day sports fantasy and gaming experience that will take place Sept. 14 - 17, 2009.

For the first time ever, sports fans have a chance to go beyond a typical athlete meet and greet or autograph session to actually play with and against 25 of the world's greatest sports superstars. The Sports Legends Challenge is the sports fan's ultimate fantasy featuring four days of casino gaming and golf cash prize tournaments with some of the biggest names in sports, including: Troy Aikman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Richard Petty, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Emmitt Smith, Reggie Jackson, Chuck Liddell, Tony Hawk, Joe Namath, Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Mark Messier, Fuzzy Zoeller, Jerry West, Herschel Walker, Jim Brown, Randy Couture, Bobby Hull, Ozzie Smith, Laffit Pincay, Brooks Robinson, Gale Sayers, Kyle Petty, Lennox Lewis and Rocco Mediate.

To up the ante, the event will also feature 25 of the world's top Poker Pros such as Phil Hellmuth, Annie Duke, Johnny Chan, Jamie Gold and Mike Sexton, who will play with and coach event participants. The Sports Legends, Poker Pros and participants will compete in a variety of events including No Limit Texas Hold 'Em, blackjack, slots and golf tournaments to vie for up to $10 million in prize money.

The other top Poker Pros confirmed to participate include T.J. Cloutier, Layne Flack, "Cowboy" Kenna James, Antonio Esfandiari, Men "The Master" Nguyen, Mark Seif, Cyndy Violette, Robert Williamson III, Gavin Smith, Barbara Enright, Amir Vahedi, Marsha Waggoner, Kathy Liebert, Chip Jett, David Singer, Marco Traniello, Karina Jett and Robert Daily.

"We are truly impressed with the quality of the attendees, and the enthusiasm with which this inaugural Sports Legends Challenge is being received by sponsors and attendees alike. It promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience, and we're delighted it will take place at Atlantis this fall," said George Markantonis, President and Managing Director of Kerzner International Bahamas Ltd.

Event participants will compete individually and with a team in a variety of events including No Limit Texas Hold 'Em, blackjack, slots and golf tournaments during the four-day event. The week culminates with the Sports Legends All-Star Poker Challenge, matching up the Sports Legends, Poker Pros and top-finishing competitors in a winner-take-all, No Limit Texas Hold 'Em grand finale. This event will pair the top 25 finishing poker players with a Sports Legend in two-player teams, along with a Poker Pro as their coach, for a cash prize. The Sports Legends All-Star Poker Challenge will be televised nationally by FOX Sports Network on Nov. 26, 2009, Thanksgiving Day.

"The week of festivities will offer a 'kick off concert' by Colbie Caillat on Saturday, September 12th, and a myriad of events and socials through Thursday, September 17th ... the energy should be electric," commented George Markantonis.

"As a world-class resort and casino, Atlantis, Paradise Island is an ideal venue to host the first-ever Sports Legends Challenge," said Bruce Bibbero, founder and chief executive officer, Sports Legends Challenge. "We have created one of the most elite and exclusive sporting events in the world, and our host venue has significantly added to appeal and excitement that surrounds this event."

Exciting special travel packages have been created to make the Sports Legends Challenge an amazing value in addition to the event of a lifetime. These special-value offers include two-player packages that allow participants to experience the entire event for a single price. These incredible packages include five nights luxury hotel accommodations at Atlantis. And thanks to the event's official airline, JetBlue Airways, JetBlue has dramatically enhanced the travel packages to include free roundtrip air transportation to and from the Bahamas from a variety of major cities serviced by JetBlue.

As part of the activities, the World Series of Poker Academy will hold a special three-day academy program as part of the Sports Legends Challenge headlined by all 25 of the Poker Pros in attendance. The Poker Pros will provide strategy, tips and offer instruction to the event participants.

In addition to the casino gaming, the Sports Legends Challenge also features a series of golf tournaments at the world-renowned Ocean Club Golf Course.

Sports fans interested in participating should visit www.sportslegendschallenge.com or call 404-869-5000 for information on how to register. A limited number of spaces are still available.

Corporate partners for the Sports Legends Challenge include PokerNews, AbsolutePoker.net, Rovia, WorldVentures, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, FOX Sports Radio, NTN Buzztime, Inc., VegasInsider, World Championship of Fantasy Football, The World Poker Store, Legendary Auctions, Golf Now powered by The Golf Channel, JetBlue Airways, World Series of Poker Academy, Magellan Jet, Alchemy3, Bluff Media, World Poker Association, Playboy Golf, and Imperial Jets.

SOURCE Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Table Mountain Casino is home to BIG names in entertainment and the concert on September 15th will be no exception! Fans will DELIGHT in John Legend's smooth musical artistry and distinguished R & B sound! John Legend is famous for his soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics and impeccable style.

Born and raised in Ohio, John Legend began playing the piano at age 4. At 7, he was singing in church and by his teenage years was directing the choir. While earning his Bachelors of Arts degree in English, John Legend worked his way into the music scene. As a high demand in-session writer, he collaborated with up and coming musicians before embarking on his own musical adventure.

John Legend has gone on to sell more than 5 million records worldwide. He has received multiple Grammys, some of which include Best New Artist, Best R & B Album and Best Male R & B Vocal Performance. With chart-topping hit singles like "Everybody Knows," "Green Light" and "Magnificent," John Legend has made a name for himself as one of the more compelling artists of this generation.

In addition to his musical talents, John Legend is also known for his work with humanitarian efforts. He mixed his two passions when he wrote, "If You're Out There," a song that reflects his desire for social change. In 2007, Legend and his team created the "Show Me Campaign" with a mission to fight poverty by fostering sustainable development. For his efforts, John Legend has won several Humanitarian Awards.

John Mayewski, President and CEO of Table Mountain Casino said, "Table Mountain Casino continuously searches for new and exciting ways to entertain our valued guests. A performer like John Legend not only creates excitement for our property but a buzz around the community. That buzz and excitement establishes Table Mountain Casino as THE place for entertainment!"

Located just minutes from Fresno, Table Mountain Casino's Indoor Event Center is widely known for their impressive array of headliner shows at affordable prices! Shows have recently included Counting Crows, Lewis Black, Liza Minnelli, country superstar duo Big and Rich, Boz Scaggs, Tony Bennett, Jewel, and the B-52s.

Tickets for John Legend go on sale August 10th at Noon and can be purchased at the Main Casino Cage or at tmcasino.com. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., show is at 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $45 VIP, $35 Reserved and $25 for General Admission. Club members save $5, Platinum Members save $10. Must be 18 years and older to attend. No refunds, cameras or videos.

Source: Table Mountain Casino

Created with a vision to bring a new level of environmental consciousness to the world-famous Strip, CityCenter will be one of the world's largest sustainable developments, from design and construction to operations and guest amenities. An extraordinary urban resort destination brought to life by eight world-renowned architects, the 18-million-square-foot development is set to achieve a combination of gold and silver LEED(R) ratings by the U.S. Green Building Council throughout its distinctive hotels; residences; dining, retail and public spaces. Using cutting-edge solutions, CityCenter has been able to grow responsibly without sacrificing the quality of materials or guest experience.

Due to its size and purchasing power, CityCenter is driving green economies of scale in multiple industry segments, paving the way for other entities to build and operate sustainably. CityCenter has moved beyond existing green practices to empower industry-wide innovations.

Key Sustainable Highlights

• First energy-generation on The Strip through its 8.5 megawatt natural-gas co-generation plant, providing efficient electricity on site, reducing emissions and using "waste heat" to provide all domestic hot water
• Water conservation technology and programs that will save between 32% and 39% within the buildings and 60% in outdoor landscaping
• First-ever fleet of stretch limos powered by clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG)
• Nation's most technologically advanced hotel rooms with exclusive features allowing guests to "green their stay"
• Development of slot machine bases that serve as floor air-conditioning units, efficiently cooling guests from the ground up, rather than wasting energy on empty space by cooling from the ceiling
• Energy-efficiency initiatives providing a savings equivalent to powering 7,700 households annually
• Creation of a large-scale recycling operation that enabled the recycling or reuse of more than 230,000 tons of construction waste, including 80% of the imploded Boardwalk Hotel
  

Most significantly, collaborating with the foremost sustainability and LEED(R) consultants from throughout the nation, CityCenter has introduced more than 10,000 construction trade and craftsmen to green building techniques that can be implemented at other developments throughout Las Vegas and beyond.

"CityCenter captures the energy and diversity of Las Vegas in one of the world's largest green urban developments," said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE. "Designing CityCenter with sustainable elements and practices reinforces its permanence and creates a healthier environment for our guests and residents, as well as for the 12,000 people who ultimately will work at CityCenter."

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

Construction and Recycling

• The Boardwalk Hotel was imploded to make way for CityCenter. 80% of the previous structure has been recycled into the building materials or sent elsewhere for reuse. Crushed blocks and mortar were used in dust abatement on the construction site and as aggregate in concrete and asphalt; recycled whole and broken glass, and bathroom fixtures were shipped to other countries for reuse after being wrapped in Boardwalk curtains and carpets as recycled packing materials
• 95% of all construction waste that would have ended up in landfills has been recycled
• Ventilation systems have been completely sealed until installed, which protects them from the dust, smoke and harmful particles that are present on a construction site. No smoking is allowed on the site once the ventilation is sealed, which will give the buildings vastly higher indoor air quality when the facility opens
• CityCenter uses Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) wood, which ensures wood only is taken from forests with responsible management practices. Low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints are used, along with enough sustainable certified carpet to cover 140 American football fields
• Reclaimed water from Monte Carlo is used for dust control in place of precious drinking water, which has contributed to savings of 2.4 million gallons of potable water
• A concrete batch plant allowed concrete to be generated on site saving gas and energy
• Each room is carefully sealed to prevent migration of tobacco smoke ensuring freshness and comfort for each guest
  

Design

• An 8.5 megawatt natural gas co-generation plant will provide efficient electricity on site (10% of overall CityCenter use), reduce emissions and utilize the waste heat from the power generation to provide all the domestic hot water necessary at CityCenter, including within its numerous pools
• Each tower has energy-efficient exterior features to help reduce the heat transfer from the sun onto the buildings, including air-brows, reflective rooftops, specially coated windows and high-performance glass
• CityCenter worked with manufacturers to invent designer water fixtures that deliver incredibly satisfying, pressurized showers while using a third less water
• Outdoor landscaping was carefully selected to provide a beautiful array of native desert plant life which is watered through a highly efficient irrigation system. The system is equipped with moisture controls to ensure watering is only done when necessary
• Marquees, signs and slot machines will be energy efficient
  

Operations

• CityCenter will offer sustainable options for meetings, conventions and events by incorporating environmentally responsible practices and services including sales kits constructed from recycled paper; ARIA's banquet server uniforms will be made from recycled polyester
• CityCenter employees will undergo LEED(R) training as part of orientation, educating them about CityCenter's green initiatives and how to do their jobs in line with the development's green focus
• Many restaurants will focus on farm-to-table ingredients, buying produce, meat and dairy direct from responsible local growers
• Spas will be committed to using organic or wild-crafted paraben-free products; the implementation of a recycling program and use of recycled paper for spa materials
• CityCenter will implement green cleaning practices within the hotels, using products that minimize concerns to human health and the environment. Additionally, the areas where chemical use occurs are negatively pressurized with separate outside exhaust and no recirculation of air
• All of CityCenter's facilities will have integrated recycling programs
  

Guest Experience

• For the highest quality, environmentally sustainable travel, CityCenter has commissioned the world's first-ever fleet of CNG stretch limos. The 26 silver, 72-inch Lincoln Town Cars are 100% dedicated to utilizing CNG. In addition to abundant U.S. natural gas reserves, CNG is one of the cleanest-burning alternative fuels available
• Natural gas used by the CNG limo fleet produces significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides (35-60 percent less), particulate matter (90-97 percent less), carcinogenic and toxic pollutants such as carbon monoxide (90-97 percent less) as well as the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (25 percent less). Source: U.S. Department of Energy
• Guests arriving at CityCenter via carpool or in alternative-fuel vehicles will have access to preferred parking spaces; bicycle valet services also will be provided
• The urban community offers numerous amenities within walking distance of the hotels, including restaurants, stores and entertainment. CityCenter's people mover will offer convenient transportation between Monte Carlo, Crystals and Bellagio
• CityCenter's hotels will feature the most technologically advanced guestrooms in the country, with exclusive technology that allows guests to "green their stay." With a simple setting, guests can indicate their preferred light level and room temperature, and the properties can automatically put a room into unoccupied status upon checkout, turning off the heating/cooling system, televisions, lights and any appliances
• Extensive natural light will be utilized through skylights and expansive windows at CityCenter to reduce energy use
• Many of the artists participating in CityCenter's public Fine Art Collection will use reclaimed material in their works of art. For instance, Maya Lin's silver cast of the Colorado River will incorporate the use of reclaimed silver; CityCenter's sustainability initiatives inspired her first work of art in Las Vegas. Richard Long's mud wall drawings will incorporate natural products, Nancy Rubins will construct a gravity-defying display that includes recycled river and ocean vessels, and Isa Genzken's steel and aluminum rose will contain 75% recycled materials
  

When it opens in December, CityCenter will not only redefine the Las Vegas skyline, but also transform the destination into a global showcase of urban design and sustainability.

About CityCenter

CityCenter is an unprecedented urban metropolis that will open in late 2009 on 67 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. CityCenter is a joint venture between MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM) and Infinity World Development Corps, a subsidiary of Dubai World. CityCenter will feature ARIA, a 61-story, 4,004-room gaming resort; luxury non-gaming hotels including Las Vegas' first Mandarin Oriental and Vdara Hotel; Veer Towers, the development's only strictly residential buildings; and Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district. Vdara, Mandarin Oriental and Veer Towers will include approximately 2,400 residences total. Additionally, The Harmon, a 400-room luxury boutique hotel, is slated to open at CityCenter in late 2010. CityCenter also will feature a resident Cirque du Soleil production celebrating the timeless musical legacy of Elvis Presley; and an unparalleled Fine Art Collection with works by acclaimed artists including Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, among others. CityCenter is a design collaboration between MGM MIRAGE and eight internationally acclaimed architectural firms including Pelli Clarke Pelli, Kohn Pedersen Fox, Helmut Jahn, RV Architecture LLC led by Rafael Vinoly, Foster + Partners*, Studio Daniel Libeskind*, Rockwell Group and Gensler. Charting a new course for responsible growth in Las Vegas, MGM MIRAGE is pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED(R)) certification at CityCenter. As planned, the 18-million-square-foot, multi-use project will become one of the world's largest environmentally sustainable urban communities. For more information about CityCenter, please visit www.citycenter.com.

* As a consultant to AAI Architects, Inc.

Pop superstar, Beyonce, has taken Vegas by storm with a four-night stint at Wynn Las Vegas that started last Thursday and ended on Sunday evening. Billed as "An Intimate Performance by Beyonce," the show was designed as an up-close-and-personal evening with the iconic star, performing for the first time in the cozy 1500-seater. The 90-minute set showcased re-arranged and re-interpreted songs from the entertainer's songbook, including #1 hits during her years with Destiny's Child. She took on the role of narrator, playfully telling the story of her musical career from being signed and dropped to superstardom.

Although she added a string section, including a harpist, to her all-female ten-piece band and all female trio of singers, the feel of the show was almost unplugged with Beyonce's voice soaring. The sold-out crowd on every night was a diverse mix of fans, young and old, who stood up most of the evening. The emphasis for this show was on musicality and vocals with Beyonce only showcasing three costumes, a rarity for the quick-change artist who can sometimes sport at least a half-dozen looks in one evening.

The last show was taped for a DVD due for release this November and some lucky guests were given the opportunity to see the show earlier in the afternoon as producers and crew set the stage for camera blocking. Friends and family and some lucky employees of The Wynn Hotel were given a special ticket to witness the taping. Another sold-out crowd returned for the evening show, which was also taped as part of the DVD.

Beyonce continues her "I AM..." world tour next week in Japan before moving on to Australia, China and Europe.

For more information on Beyonce and the "I AM..." world tour, contact Yvette Noel-Schure at Columbia Records at 212-833-4483 or via email: yvette.noel-schure@sonymusic.com" target=_new>yvette.noel-schure@sonymusic.com.

SOURCE Music World Music/Columbia Records