2:00 a.m. wakeup call to be first in line at Terre Haute Casino Resort

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Cars began trickling into the Terre Haute Casino Resort parking lot as early as 4:30 a.m. on Friday, with passengers eager to be amongst the first in line.

Bragging rights, free t-shirts, and potential prizes were some of the reasons why locals and out-of-towners lined up.

Some people came prepared with blankets, hand warmers, and camping chairs.

Several Terre Haute residents said they’ve been planning for this day for several moths, including requesting off of work.

Rosalind Guthrie and her two friends said they woke up at 2:00 A.M. to make the trip from Indianapolis, with the goal of being the first 100 in the door.

“And we made it,” Guthrie exclaimed. “There’s like 20 people in the parking lot! So, we did good. We’re excited about the grand opening. We go to the casino all the time, almost every Friday!”

Guthrie said she and her friends typically visit a casino every Friday, usually in Shelbyville.

“This is more exciting to me because it’s closer to home. I mean, to the point where this is our casino, not Anderson,” she said, laughing.

Guthrie said it’s wonderful to have another option.

“We even travel out as far as Caeser’s at the state line, so we do journey out. So we are really excited about being here today and just want to have fun.”

Guthrie had on a lucky necklace, three sevens hung by a gold chain.

“I wear it everywhere I go,” she said as she rubbed it. I’m hoping that today will be the day that I’ve been waiting for, to say, ‘Jackpot,’ that’s what I want,” she added.

By 10 a.m. the crowd had ballooned quite a bit as can be seen in the video below.