'Ultimate' sports bar at Hollywood Casino Joliet 

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Updated: January 23, 2012 12:24AM

The Hollywood Stadium is expected by Hollywood Casino Joliet management to set a new standard in Chicago-area bars when it officially opens on Feb. 3.

“Whether it’s offering a great place for viewing the big game on a 1,600-square-foot video screen, listening to live music while celebrating a night on the town, or enjoying classic casual fare, you‘ll find it here,” food and beverage director Christ Nogulich said.

“Hollywood Stadium will redefine sports bar cuisine by serving classic choices, such as burgers, ribs, pizza and chicken wings prepared with top cuts and the freshest quality ingredients.”

“We aren’t trying to reinvent what people like to eat at sports bars,” he added. “Instead, we are raising it to a level where our guests (will say), ‘That’s the best I’ve ever had.’ ”

Hollywood Stadium will celebrate its grand opening on Feb. 3 with 7th Heaven, one of the Chicago area’s hottest bands. The group will be on stage from 8 p.m. to midnight. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m.

Hollywood Aurora

When it comes to the winter blahs, Hollywood Casino Aurora has Cruises and Cash to pep things up.

At 3, 5, 7 and 9 p.m. every Wednesday in February, 11 winners will be chosen randomly to select an envelope from the Cruises and Cash game board.

The minimum cash prize is $250, and someone will sail away with a Royal Caribbean cruise package for two, complete with a $500 voucher that can be used toward airfare.

Players selected for Cruises and Cash will have the option to choose a cash prize or a cruise.

“The Cruises and Cash promotion is open to all guests with a Club Hollywood players card,” a spokesman said.

“On top of all the great prizes, there will be drink specials and entertainment every Wednesday in February.”

In order to participate, guests must have their players card inserted and accepted in a slot machine at the time of the drawing.

Majestic Star

There is a crowded schedule of Majestic Star Casino promotions to entertain guests and give them a chance to win big prizes.

In the Silverado Giveaway at the Gary casino, guests can earn entries up to the drawing date of Feb. 12.

Key Rewards members will receive one free entry and one additional entry for every 50 points earned while playing slots or table games.

There will be hourly prize drawings every hour from 1 to 11 p.m. Five winners will be called every hour to win a key to start the Chevy Silverado. Those who do not win the car will receive $500 cash.

Also, on every Friday through Feb. 25, Key Rewards members with special invitation can go to the second-floor garage walkway and pick up a chocolate bar as part of the 2011 Sweets with Treats Giveaway.

A spokesman said 75 bars will be specially marked to win up to 1,500 in promotional cash.

Blue Chip

Brides and grooms to be are invited to attend the ultimate wedding planning experience at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Ind.

Bride blu, an exclusive Blue Chip bridal event, will take place at the Stardust Event Center from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 20.

Sponsored by the Blue Chip, Taylor Rental/Party Plus and Wedding Day Magazine, the event will include local vendors with hair and makeup demonstrations, photographers, wedding menu sampling from leading restaurants and caterers, floral displays, a wedding fashion show with the latest looks from area bridal and tuxedo shops, music sampling from musicians and disc jockeys.

A balloon drop created by Taylor Rental/Party Plus at the close of the show will feature prizes from Bride blu event exhibitors.

There also will be a Blue Chip sit-down tasting event from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. for brides who have not chosen a reception venue yet.

Gus Rose can be reached by sending an e-mail to jvirtusio@southtownstar.com with “Gus Rose” in the subject line.