Earlier today, it was announced that the owners of Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh are considering the possibility of expanding their business by opening a hotel venue not far from their gambling one.
R. Daniel Lavelle, a Pittsburgh City Councilman, shared that casino’s officials have been talking to Riverlife Task Force and Carnegie Science Center representatives about the potential vacating of a street on a nearby land so as to make way for the establishment of the hotel building.
Mr. Lavelle, who is currently representing that part of the city, pointed out that he expects the casino to announce its plans, once it is given the necessary approval by authorities.
Craig Clark, who is taking the position of a general manager of Rivers Casino, shared he really hopes that an announcement will be made as soon as possible. However, he refused to reveal further details about the type of the planned hotel as well as the number of rooms it will feature.
Rivers Casino opened doors for visitors back in 2009. It seems that its owners have been considering the possibility of building a hotel as a second phase of the project’s development since then. Yet, last year, they started delving into the matter more seriously, as local gambling venues faced more intense competition from those located in the neighboring states. It became clear that casino owners should take due measures, in order to attract more players.
The so-called Hyatt Place Hotel, a 155-room venue, located not far from The Meadows Racetrack and Casino, one of Rivers Casino’s nearby competitors, is expected to open doors this spring. The two facilities will be only a short walk from each other and will be connected by means of a pedestrian bridge.
The co-director of the Carnegie Science Center, Ron Baillie, shared that Rivers Casino’s owners have discussed with him their plans to build a hotel on a nearby paper street, which currently appears on maps only and needs to be vacated for the purpose.
Mr. Baillie said that he considers the development of the hotel a “very positive” thing, provided that its design is appropriate. He pointed out that the science center has always attracted a great number of tourists that will be able to stay in the hotel, if it gets the necessary approval.
Mr. Baillie also ensured that the above-mentioned street will be vacated.
Currently, the Rivers Casino spreads over 450,000 square feet and features a total of 2,900 slot machines, more than 100 gaming tables, a 30-table poker room, as well as numerous excellent dining and entertainment options.
