Related Resources • Casino Of The Sky • Mohegan Expansion • Hall of Lost Tribes

From Other Guides • Virtual Tour

Elsewhere on the Web • Mohegan Sun Website

by Guide Bill Burton

On Tuesday April 23,2002 the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville CT unveiled their new 34 Story, luxury hotel tower completing Project Sunburst, their $1 billion expansion.

After a traditional tribal dance ceremony the ribbon was cut officially opening the 1,200-room hotel tower. The new tower is the second tallest structure in the State. It also houses 100,000 sq. ft convention center including meeting rooms and the largest ballroom in the Northeast.

Last September, the Mohegan Sun unveiled Phase one of Project Sunburst which included the addition of the Casino of the Sky, The Shops at Mohegan Sun, a 10,000-seat arena and 300-seat Cabaret. Casinos are measured by their gaming space and the opening of the Casino of the Sky added 115,000 sq. ft of gaming space bringing the total casino size to 315,000 sq. ft making it the second largest casino in the world. The only thing missing was an on site hotel to accommodate their overnight guests. This has all been changed with the completion of the expansion project and opening of the Mohegan Sun Hotel.

"The completion of Project Sunburst marks and important milestone for the Mohegan Tribe and fulfills our dream to create a magical multi-dimensional destination," said Mark Brown, chairman of the Mohegan Tribe. "Visitors may be drawn to Mohegan Sun by our gaming, but they will stay to shop and dine in our restaurant outlets, enjoy the shows and relax in our luxurious hotel and spa."

I attended the Grand Opening ceremony with About New England for Visitors Guide, Kim Knox Beckius. After the ribbon cutting and press conference in the spectacular ballroom we were given a tour of the conference rooms, Spa, pool, fitness center and saw one of the hotel rooms and suites. The Elemis Spa and fitness center located on the third floor of the hotel is open to hotel guests and day visitors as well.

The design and décor of the new addition along with the Casinos of the Earth and Sky and retail complex incorporates the history of the Mohegan Tribe. It is a stunning site to see whether you are playing in the casino or merely walking around the Resort.

Although I had other business commitments, Kim had the opportunity to spend the night and she has set up a virtual photo tour on the About New England for Visitors site: Take the Tour