As published in the August 1, 2010 Toledo Business Journal
Eric Schippers
Penn National Gaming, Inc.
Casino plans to use local firms
Toledo Business Journal recently interviewed Eric Schippers, senior vice president, public affairs, Penn National Gaming, Inc. He shared the following thoughts.
Toledo Business Journal: What is the planned size of the new Hollywood Casino Toledo structure, capacity for parking, and current estimated construction costs?
Eric Schippers: Hollywood Casino Toledo (scheduled to break ground this summer) will be a 125,000 square foot facility on 44 acres, sized for approximately 3,000 slots machines, 70 table games, and 20 poker tables. Multiple food and beverage outlets are planned, and there will be a 2,500-space parking garage.
Hollywood Casino Toledo will be a $250 million facility, plus a $50 million license fee. We are designing the facility in order to seek Gold Level LEED certification.
TBJ: Can you discuss Penn National’s decision to not construct a hotel on the property at the current time as it impacts other area lodging facilities and future plans in this area?
ES: We committed to Destination Toledo that we would not build a hotel on or within 10 miles of our property until such time as hotel occupancy rates rise above and sustain an annually occupancy rate of 68%. A hotel was included in the Master Plan as a long-range “potential” option we might pursue if the market warrants, but a decision would be made in consultation with Destination Toledo.
TBJ: What expectations do you have for out of town visitors to the casino who stay overnight? Will customers be primarily within driving distance?
ES: We’re hoping to attract patrons from as far away as 90 miles. We plan to offer an exciting entertainment venue that will rival the gaming experience in neighboring states.
However, we do plan to play a part in attracting new tourists to the Toledo and Rossford areas.
TBJ: What are your expectations concerning development in close proximity to the casino in Rossford and Toledo?
ES: As we’ve experienced in our other jurisdictions, we anticipate our casino being an economic catalyst and a magnet for additional growth and opportunity within the community.
TBJ: Can you discuss Penn National Gaming’s plans to use local construction firms and suppliers? Are there additional services from other local firms that will be provided to the casino once it is operating?
ES: That is a major commitment we’ve made to hire and buy locally where we can. In fact, we’re finalizing a contract for Rudolph/Libbe Inc. to serve as our construction company on this project, and they’re a prominent local firm.
On the vendor side, we will be using a lot of local suppliers for the casino.
TBJ: Who should area construction firms and others interested in doing business with Hollywood Casino Toledo contact?
ES: They should visit our website and register on www.hollywoodcasinotoledo.com.
TBJ: Can you discuss plans for employment for both the construction project and for workers to operate the casino after it is opened?
ES: We’re estimating 2,100 construction jobs at an average annual salary of over $38,000 and 1,200 direct permanent jobs once opened at average starting salaries of over $33,000.
TBJ: Have hours of operation been established for the casino? Can you discuss plans for entertainment?
ES: We’ll await final confirmation from the Gaming Commission, but we are authorized for 24 hours. We will feature local acts and smaller scale live music productions, but will look to partner with the downtown arena to drive additional visitation for its larger entertainment offerings.