Casino opens in Columbus
By Jane Beathard
Staff Writer
Local politicians, sports figures, corporate executives and leaders of philanthropic organizations mixed with gamblers and showgirls at Monday’s opening of the Hollywood Casino Columbus on the city’s west side.
Actress Ann-Margret was also on hand for the 10 a.m. ribbon cutting, saying she is “an official, unofficial Ohioan” since her role in the movie “Bye, Bye Birdie” was set in fictional Sweet Apple, Ohio. A Bob Mackie-designed dress from the actress’s personal collection is one of many pieces of Hollywood memorabilia on display in the casino.
“I can’t get into it now,” the actress quipped.
Two-time Heisman Trophy winner, Archie Griffin, former heavyweight boxing champion, James “Buster” Douglas and Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman joined executives from Penn National Gaming on stage at the casino’s O.H. Lounge for the ceremony. Penn National owns and operates the casino, as well as 28 similar gambling halls in 19 states.
General Manager Ameet Patel thanked the west side community for extending a warm welcome to the casino and its staff. In accordance with Penn National’s good neighbor policy, Patel handed out $413,000 in donations to west Columbus charities. The money represented proceeds from the casino’s Oct. 3 “demonstration” day.
One hundred and sixty-five thousand dollars went to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. The Greater Hilltop Area Shalom Zone, the Hilltop YMCA, the Salvation Army of West Mound Street and The Buckeye Ranch each received $62,000.
Smoot Construction, general contractors for the project, awarded another $55,000 to United Way of Central Ohio.
Penn National President Tim Wilmott said the casino expects to award $5 million to west side charities during the next three years.
Coleman noted symbolism in the Columbus Day grand opening.
“It was Viva Las Vegas. Now it’s Viva Columbus,” Coleman said.
The casino marks a “new frontier” for the city’s west side and has already brought 3,500 construction jobs to the area. About 2,000 employees will serve an expected 10,000 daily visitors to the casino, Coleman added.
