PHILADELPHIA—SugarHouse Casino has officially opened a bold $164-million expansion at the Delaware River gaming facility.

A ribbon-cutting earlier this month showcased the casino's new attractions, including the SugarHouse Marketplace (featuring Philadelphia brands Saxbys Coffee, Tacconelli's Pizzeria, Geno's Steaks and a brand-new local concept, Revolution Grill), Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House, the multipurpose Event Center and the first-ever Poker Night in America Poker Room.

“We are excited to wrap up our much anticipated expansion and welcome guests to the bigger, better SugarHouse,” says general manager Wendy Hamilton. “From world-class entertainment and dining to expanded gaming, SugarHouse is one of Philly's premiere destinations for a night on the town or to hold a group event.”

SugarHouse began construction on the $164 million expansion in 2014. The expansion, designed by Cope Linder Architects of Philadelphia, increases SugarHouse's 108,000-square-foot facility to approximately 260,000 square feet, not including the new seven-story parking garage of roughly 600,000 square feet. The larger gaming areas offer 44 additional table games, 289 new slots and a 28-table poker room. The expansion also brings in new non-gaming amenities, including additional restaurants and The Event Center.

About 500 new, full-time jobs have been added at SugarHouse as a result of the expansion, bringing the current total to approximately 1,700.

The Event Center incorporates a 30,000 square-foot multipurpose space on the second floor of the casino, for corporate events, wedding receptions, black-tie galas, and major performances. It features floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of the riverfront and the Ben Franklin Bridge. Minutes from Center City, the SugarHouse Casino Event Center can accommodate small and large groups of more than 1,000 guests for standing room only, or up to 800 people for banquet seating, and is accessible for all ages.

The upsized casino includes a 6,000 square-foot dedicated poker space, named the Poker Night in America Poker Room. The state-of-the-art Poker Room features 28 tables and 252 seats. It's the first of its kind, becoming a home base for the popular CBS Sports TV program.

The newly expanded gaming space brings in 44 additional table games and 289 new slots, a 20 percent increase from SugarHouse's previous gaming offerings. The new High Limit Lounge offers a private atmosphere, while still being a part of the casino action. Guests will enjoy high limit gaming, concierge service, private parking and more.

Celebrating the ribbon cutting for SugarHouse Casino's $164 million expansion are (from left): Congressman Bob Brady, Rush Street Gaming Chairman Neil Bluhm, SugarHouse Casino General Manager Wendy Hamilton, SugarHouse Casino CEO Greg Carlin and Councilman Mark Squilla

The complimentary parking garage offers 1,500 new spaces for guests to park, with direct elevator access to the casino floor. Through a partnership with the City of Philadelphia's Public Art Program, an urban light sculpture was installed on the façade of the garage facing Delaware Avenue. Designed by East Falls, Pennsylvania-based artist Lyn Godley, the beautiful, colorful display spans 290 feet wide and 60 feet high. The artwork is composed of a series of light boxes and façade lighting that change colors during the day and throughout the night to reflect similar patterns in the flow of the Delaware River.

PHILADELPHIA—SugarHouse Casino has officially opened a bold $164-million expansion at the Delaware River gaming facility.

About 500 new, full-time jobs have been added at SugarHouse as a result of the expansion, bringing the current total to approximately 1,700.

Instant Insights /

SugarHouse Casino Rolls Dice on $164 Million Expansion

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