Empress makeover nearly complete

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Empress Casino Joliet, which will be rebranded on Dec. 22 as Hollywood Casino Joliet, has a number of additions including a new entrance.

In a few days, the makeover at the Empress Casino Joliet will be complete, and it will be changing from its Egyptian decor and "going Hollywood."

An official said the debut of the new $65 million entertainment pavilion is scheduled for Dec. 22.

Guests will see the casino "reflecting the classic style and glamour of 1930s art deco Hollywood, complemented by modern video imagery technology.

The entertainment pavilion will contain Final Cut Steakhouse and piano bar, the Epic Buffet, Hollywood Stadium sports bar (slated to open in February) and Rodeo Drive gift shop.

What some call Joliet's premier casino will be rebranded as Hollywood Casino Joliet.

Guests will arrive via the porte cochere valet parking area or the entranceway leading from the casino's self-park garage.

"The pavilion will be marked by a giant chandelier; a 120-foot serpentine video wall to greet players with exciting video graphics, vintage commercials, and animation; and a video marquee that is a modern-day version of the historic Chicago Theatre sign," an official said.

The pavilion replaces the casino's former Egyptian-themed entertainment facility, which destroyed in a devastating fire in March 2009.

The new pavilion also widely expands the number of dining and entertainment choices available to guests since the casino reopened in June 2009.

A total of 157 new positions have been created at the casino in preparation for the opening, increasing the number of employees from 875 prior to the fire to 953 when the pavilion opens.

"Just like the anticipation surrounding a big Hollywood premiere, you can really feel the excitement among our guests and employees as our staff grows, and they see the finishing touches being applied to this spectacular new pavilion," said Jon Johnson, casino vice president and general manager.

"We've done a lot of research, planning and testing to ensure that we introduce a first-class experience, especially at our restaurants - one that I think guests will find surprisingly distinct and unique in Chicagoland."

Hollywood Casino Joliet will share the Hollywood brand name with its sister property in Aurora.

The two Penn National Gaming properties plan to introduce a joint players card program in early 2011, allowing guests to earn and use points between the two properties.

In other news, more than $100,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs in Empress's No Shopping Required promotion.

On Fridays and Saturdays, through Dec. 18, 10 lucky winners, with their Empress Casino Club Hollywood Card in any slot machine, will be randomly selected at 5, 8 and 11 p.m. to win cash and prizes.

A spokesman said prizes will include great holiday gifts like digital cameras, iPods, iPads, Bose sound docks, cookware sets, $1,000 gift cards, cash and more.

All winners must be present. Guests who are not Club Hollywood members can sign up for no charge.

Gus Rose can be reached by e-mailing to Jessi Virtusio at jvirtusio@southtownstar.com with "Gus Rose" in the subject line or calling her at (708) 802-8854.