WILKES- BARRE, PA (April 18, 2013) – During a press conference this morning, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs’ President Mike Bean marked a major milestone in the Project Sunlight construction plan as executives from Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Mohegan Tribal officials and members of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (MTGA) celebrated the topping off of the Hotel and Convention Center. This topping off ceremony, as it is officially known, marks the end of the steel construction. Workers have already made progress on enclosing the complex which is slated to open this fall.
Bean also announced plans to add a Spa & Salon to the seven-story hotel. Spa Sapphire, which is privately owned and operated, will encompass more than 4,000 square feet of unsurpassed five-star services and endless luxury.
“I would like to thank all the men and women who have dedicated countless hours of hard work and commitment to this project and have made this all possible,” said Mike Bean, President of Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. “Today’s announcement and topping off ceremony are just some of the many milestones Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs will have this year including the opening of Project Sunlight this fall.”
Under clear skies, a crowd of eager guests watched as a spruce pine tree was hoisted more than 80 feet into the air before resting on the top of the new Hotel and Convention Center. This tradition, which is often done with an evergreen or a tree native to the local region, is a gesture of goodwill.
A Place to Unwind
The Hotel at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs will be home to 238 guest rooms comprised of 218 standard rooms and 20 suites. The seven-story hotel will also be home to a bistro serving breakfast and light fare, a spa & salon, indoor pool, fitness center and a new porte-cochere.
A Time to Rest and Relax
Compromised of extraordinary ambience and legendary services, Spa Sapphire promises a luxury spa experience along with state-of-the-art salon services. Located on the first floor of the new hotel, Spa Sapphire will have a team of advanced technicians and specialists who will be available for a wide variety of sophisticated services including: massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, hair and makeup services, as well as a full service men’s salon, a couple’s suite, whirlpool, sauna and much more.
A Space to Meet
As part of Project Sunlight, a 20,000 square-foot Convention Center will also be added adjacent to the new hotel. The space, which can be subdivided for meetings of various sizes, can host meetings ranging from small intimate groups to larger ones of 1,600, as well as banquets up to 800. Additionally, the space is easily converted into an events center to host concerts of up to 1,500.
Not Just A Job, But A Career
As one of the larger employers in the Luzerne County with currently more than 1,700 employees, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs’ Project Sunlight adds an additional 350 construction jobs. More than 250 permanent positions are also estimated to be added ranging from hotel management to front desk staff, housekeeping, banquets, event staffing, security, food & beverage and more.
It’s All in the Design
Similar to the other design elements found throughout Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, the new hotel and convention center’s design is based off of indigenous materials of Luzerne County. Design inspiration draws directly from the landscape, the flora, wildlife, natural resources and the personality of the Susquehanna River Valley.
Who Knew?
Everyone knows Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will the Hotel & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. To date, more than 54,000 man hours have already gone into the project. The construction team was hard at work erecting more than 1,000 tons of steel used to frame the new seven-story hotel and 20,000 square-foot adjacent Convention Center. When complete, more than 5,200 feet of concrete will have been poured and 14,575 yards of carpet installed.
About Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs:
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, owned by the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, is one of the most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and dining destinations in Pennsylvania. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including more than 82 live table games, 2,300 slot machines, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.win.inpa (1.888.946.4672) or visiting mohegansunpocono.com