| Mohegan Sun Grand Opening Party | |||||||||||||||||||
Dan Aykroyd in Mohegan Sun
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On Tuesday April 23, 2002 the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville CT cut the ribbon for their new 34 story, luxury hotel tower completing Project Sunburst, their $1 billion expansion. That was just the beginning. The Grand Opening the party took place the weekend of June 21, 2002. The event was unlike anything seen in the roving hills of southeastern Connecticut. It looked like a Hollywood premiere with dozens of stars and celebrities in attendance, including former President Bill Clinton. The Mohegan Tribe decided to hold the high profile extravaganza to attract some national publicity for their new World Class Resort. They bet on the stars to make it a success and with out a doubt it was a sure winner for all involved. The festivities got under way on Friday night with not one but two major events. In the new 10,000 seat arena Cher, with Cyndi Lauper as the opening act put on a three and a half hour show. While that show was going on, Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi, The Blues Brothers, took the stage in the Wolf Den lounge which is located in the center of the casino. Patrons in the casino were treated to the free show, as acts in the Wolf Den can be seen and heard from the surround area. Former President Clinton joined them on stage to play the saxophone with the group. Also joining them were Wilson Picket, Sam Moore and a Steve Tyler of Areosmith. Later that night, Donna Dixon wife of Dan Aykroyd, threw a surprise 50th birthday party for her husband. The party had all the makings of a Hollywood event complete with a red carpet leading to the Cabaret as thousand of casino patrons lined up to get a look at the stars, Including Chevy Chase, Vivica Fox and many more. On Saturday there were performances by, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Rosie O’Donnell. Stars could be seen wandering around the casino much to the delight of the players. Why such star power for a casino opening? Mark Brown, Tribal Chairman explained that he wanted to show that the addition of the new 1,200 room luxury hotel has made the Mohegan Sun a viable vacation destination. “I wanted to see so much frenzy that everyone will know where Uncasville Connecticut is” he said.
Casinos are measured by gaming space and the will Mohegan Sun is the second largest casino in the country. Now with the shops and hotel the Mohegan Sun is truly a fantastic place to visit. The stars attending the grand opening the party all agreed and their presence during the Grand Opening Party brought the casino some national recognition. I had the opportunity to spend two nights in the new hotel and was impressed with the rooms and service. From check in to check out everything was flawless. The
Mohegan Sun is located in Uncasville Connecticut.
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