TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The long-awaited Terre Haute Casino Resort is now open to the general public after a ribbon cutting event Friday morning.
Thousands of people lined up to check out the new venue, with folks traveling from as far as Texas and Florida.
During the grand opening festivities, local and state government officials as well as members of the Churchill Downs Incorporated team, were on hand to speak about the impact the venue is expected to have on the area.
Vigo County Commissioner Chris Switzer and Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun speaking about how this will help the local community.@wtwonews pic.twitter.com/W2ffwqBzG9
— Nicole Krasean (@NicoleK_WTWO) April 5, 2024
Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen said that while this may feel like the end, referencing the timeline that brought a casino to Terre Haute, it is just the beginning of CDI’s partnership with West Central Indiana.
Carstanjen noted that roughly 550 people will be employed at the casino resort, with roughly 1,000 others already working as part of the construction process.
Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun took time during his speech at the event to shoutout former Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett, saying Bennett was a vital part of the process to bring a casino license to Vigo County.
Sakbun said the city is anticipating receiving gaming tax revenue from the venue to begin coming in within a year.
Sakbun also said the city is working on infrastructure planning for the east side of Terre Haute near the casino resort property.
“Bringing folks in not just off the interstate but into our community is a challenge that we’re going to address,” Sakbun said. “You’ve seen some increased signage, (and) we’re going to start doing our traffic plans for what roads we need to either improve or widen.”
The $290 million investment by CDI is a smoke-free casino with an open-air room for smokers that is separate from the main gaming floor; this decision was in compliance with a Vigo County ordinance.
In addition to the ribbon cutting and welcoming the public through their doors, Churchill Downs made a donation of $10,000 from the proceeds of Wednesday’s soft opening to the St. Benedict’s Soup Kitchen.
During Friday’s noon show, WAWV/WTWO spoke with General Manager Mike Rich about the excitement of the day and what guests can expect in the coming weeks.
The hotel portion of the property, along with more restaurants and bars, will open on May 15.
