Jul 3, 2019 | General News
June 29 to July 5, 2019
Expectations are a funny thing. They can put you in a mindset where you can only see a few possible outcomes for some upcoming event, when, in actuality, life has a funny way of showing us that anything can happen at any time. That is certainly true in the world of high-stakes harness racing, where unpredictability is built into the sport because of the dependence on animals to repeat performances week after week against other top-notch competitors all trying to do the same thing.
After watching the eliminations for the 2019 edition of Sun Stakes Saturday at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, I thought I had a pretty good feel for what would transpire. But I can’t say that any of the four Finals this past Saturday worked out anything like what I would have expected, other than the fact that they were all as exciting as could be predicted. I clearly wasn’t alone in my confusion, as none of the four races was won by a favorite, and the odds for the winners got progressively longer as the night went on.
Let’s take a look back at what transpired and try to pick apart how the unexpected became commonplace on this star-studded night of racing.
THE JAMES M. LYNCH MEMORIAL PACE FOR THREE-YEAR-OLD PACING FILLIES:
What We Expected To Happen: A showdown between Treacherous Reign and Warrawee Ubeaut, two fillies who have been going back and forth at each other in a battle for divisional supremacy.
What Actually Happened: Well, in this case, we weren’t all that far off, because there was indeed a showdown between Warrawee Ubeaut and Treacherous Reign, the top two choices in the race. But that showdown occurred too early and for too long a chunk of the mile, leaving both a bit weary in the lane. That left the 3-1 third choice Stonebridge Soul in perfect position in the pocket. Driver Tim Tetrick guided the Chris Ryder trainee up the passing lane for the victory by three-quarters of a length in 1:49:3, providing the first indication that the pocket was going to be the place to be on this night.
THE MAX C. HEMPT MEMORIAL PACE FOR THREE-YEAR-OLD PACERS
What We Expected To Happen: Proof, with a much better post position than the other two elimination winners, would build on his outstanding career-best mile in the eliminations and dominate.
What Actually Happened: Proof did indeed go off with 1-5 expectations, but wasn’t on his game after starting slow, eventually finishing sixth. Meanwhile, Captain Victorious tried to double on his elim win with another gutsy front-pacing effort. But he couldn’t shake Shake That House, trained by Chris Oakes, who has a shelf full of huge stakes victories at Pocono. From the pocket, Shake That House, with Brian Sears in the bike, erupted late for a two-length win in a career-best 1:49:2, paying off handsomely for his backers with 8-1 odds.
THE BEN FRANKLIN PACE FOR FREE-FOR-ALL PACERS
What We Expected To Happen: A three-way donnybrook between Western Fame, McWicked, and Lather Up that would produce a definitive aged pacing group standout.
What Actually Happened: Lather Up continued to be haunted by clunkers during the biggest nights at Pocono, starting slowly and eventually breaking stride. McWicked battled first over but could never get even with the leader. Western Fame, who went off as the favorite, set that pace, but was pressured enough by McWicked that he labored in the lane. Which left This Is The Plan, winless in 2019 coming into the race, ready for his closeup. The Ron Burke trainee came flying from the pocket with Yannick Gingras driving to win at 12-1 in 1:48:2.
THE EARL BEAL JR. MEMORIAL TROT
What We Expected To Happen: A coronation for Greenshoe, the colt who many thought could only lose if he broke stride (and even then, many wondered if it would matter.)
What Actually Happened: Trainer/driver Ake Svanstedt didn’t get the memo apparently, because he fired out from an outside post with 55-1 shot Marseille as if the outcome was still up in the air. Greenshoe, meanwhile, got away a bit lethargically, in much the same manner as he did in the elimination. The difference on this night was that he was beaten to the punch in the outer flow, meaning that he couldn’t glide up to his liking. Once he finally did shake free, it was too late to catch the well-rated Marseille, the stunning winner in 1:52:3.
That will do it for this week at Pocono, but we’ll see you at the track. Feel free to e-mail me at [email protected].
Jun 28, 2019 | Gaming, General News
7’s are the key and one lucky guest amassed
3 of them, all in diamonds, in the fun Progressive Blackjack game called, “Blazing 7’s Blackjack,” to take home $795,000! The jackpot was won this past Saturday evening at a Blazing 7’s table near Sunburst Bar at Mohegan Sun Pocono.
Blazing 7’s Blackjack is a fun twist on the classic game where a progressive jackpot will keep tallying until a player hits it big. To begin each round, players make a standard bet and the Blazing 7’s progressive bet. To win, a player must get a 7 within one of their first two cards, and the payouts increase further if the dealer’s up card is also a 7. Three 7’s all in diamonds is the best hand to get, as it wins 100% of the progressive jackpot. Other ways to win include three 7’s in the same suit & a player’s first two cards being 7’s.
Mohegan Sun Pocono has one of the most exciting casino floors in the Northeast, with more than 1,900 slot machines and more than 60 table games, including poker. To learn more and for updates on all of the gaming promotions at Mohegan Sun Pocono, visit Mohegansunpocono.com.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN POCONO
Mohegan Sun Pocono, owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, was the first destination to bring gaming to Pennsylvania in 2006 and since then has become one of the premier entertainment, gaming, shopping and dining destinations in the state. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun Pocono features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including more than 60 live table games, 1,920 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun Pocono is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting our website. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, download our app and view us on YouTube.
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Jun 27, 2019 | Community Relations, Culture & History, General News, Hot Summer Fun, Keystone Grand Ballroom, Special Events, Travel & Leisure
Traveling memorial honoring the U.S. Armed Forces opens July 3rd
WILKES-BARRE, PA (June 27, 2019) – As a part of Hot Summer Fun, Mohegan Sun Pocono is proud to host “The Spirit of America’s Story”, a traveling memorial exhibit commemorating the U.S. Armed Forces and the fight to freedom from 1775 through today. This is the first time “The Spirit of America’s Story” has stopped in Pennsylvania, and the patriotic exhibit wall will remain in the Keystone Grand Ballroom from July 3rd – July 7th, with viewing hours from 10:00am – 8:00pm. Admission is free and guests of all ages are welcome.
The 100-foot-long exhibit uses rich illustrations and visual stories to capture and preserve the spirit, sacrifices, and vast history of the American people. Attendees will also be able to pay tribute to the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces who have and are currently serving to protect America’s life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – both here and abroad. Guests are encouraged to participate in an informative and interactive Q&A session during their time at the exhibit.
On Tuesday, July 2nd at approximately 1:00pm, the truck transporting the exhibit will be traveling to Mohegan Sun Pocono with a motorcycle escort courtesy of local American Legion Riders. The escort will begin on Highway 315 at the Wyoming Valley-Pittston Exit 115 on the PA Turnpike and head South on PA-315 to the property.
For more information about The Spirit of America’s Story exhibit and other Hot Summer Fun activities, visit mohegansunpocono.com.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN POCONO
Mohegan Sun Pocono, owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, was the first destination to bring gaming to Pennsylvania in 2006 and since then has become one of the premier entertainment, gaming, shopping, and dining destinations in the state. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun Pocono features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including over 80 live table games, 2,300 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun Pocono is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting our website. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, download our app and view us on YouTube.
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Jun 19, 2019 | Entertainment, General News, Hot Summer Fun
With special guests Morris Day & The Time at the Racetrack on Friday, August 23rd
WILKES-BARRE, PA (June 19, 2019)- “Celebrate good times” on Friday, August 23rd when the iconic R&B group, Kool & The Gang, accompanied by Morris Day & The Time, perform live at the Racetrack at Mohegan Sun Pocono at 7:30pm. Kool & The Gang’s sound, a combination of Jazz, Funk, and horn arrangements, opened by Morris Day & The Time’s gutsy vocals and dynamic dance moves, is sure to make the perfect concert.
Tickets are $35.00 and on sale now through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available at Mohegan Sun Pocono Box Office located at the Player’s Club. Guests who purchase tickets at the Mohegan Sun Pocono Box Office will also receive one voucher for $10.00 in Free Slot Play per ticket, valid on Friday, August 23rd. Free Slot Play offer is redeemable by guests ages 21 and over. A Momentum account, valid photo identification, and purchased ticket is required at the time of redemption. This offer is not valid for tickets purchased via Ticketmaster.com or by phone.
The two-time Grammy award-winning and 31 gold and platinum album selling band, Kool & The Gang, is considered the most sampled group of our time. Their tunes can be heard in the works of Jay-Z, Madonna, Beastie Boys and even in movie soundtracks. Kool & The Gang is most known for their hits: “Celebration,” “Cherish,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Summer Madness” and “Open Sesame.” In 2015, the accomplished group celebrated their 50th Anniversary. This milestone was celebrated with their induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. In the same year, “Celebration” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Even though the band has been together for over five decades, they are still releasing new songs and doing lively performances.
Morris Day is a founding member of The Time, a band formed by the late musical legend, Prince. Together, the group has created iconic songs like “I Don’t Wanna Leave You,” “Cool” and “Jungle Love.” After Day’s successful solo career, he returned to the group in 1995 and has been performing their Soul, Funk, and Rock N’ Roll tunes ever since.
More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or by visiting mohegansunpocono.com.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN POCONO
Mohegan Sun Pocono, owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, was the first destination to bring gaming to Pennsylvania in 2006 and since then has become one of the premier entertainment, gaming, shopping and dining destinations in the state. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun Pocono features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including over 80 live table games, 2,300 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun Pocono is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting our website. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, download our app and view us on YouTube.
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Jun 6, 2019 | Breaking News, Employment, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, General News, Hot Summer Fun, Party on the Patio, Special Events, Travel & Leisure
Giveaways, food & drink specials, live entertainment and more start Monday, June 17th
WILKES-BARRE, PA (June 6, 2019) –Mohegan Sun Pocono is cooking up a summer to remember with the return of Hot Summer Fun. From Monday, June 17th to Sunday, September 1st, Momentum members can enjoy giveaways where they can win Free Slot Play, cash prizes, a brand new summer toy and more. Other Hot Summer Fun celebrations include food and drink specials across property, the Food Truck Festival, an outdoor concert featuring Kool & The Gang and Morris Day & the Time and live entertainment courtesy of the ever-popular Party on the Patio.
TOYS OF SUMMER GIVEAWAY
Starting Monday, June 17th, Momentum members can enter to win an outdoor toy of their choice, courtesy of Two Jacks Cycle and Powersports. With one contest entry for every Status Point earned, Momentum members have the chance to win either a Sea-Doo Spark Trixx, a CAN-AM Outlander X MR 1000R, a Mahindra Roxor or a CAN-AM RYKER. Momentum members will receive 5X entries on Mondays and 10X entries on Saturdays. The winner is announced on Saturday, August 31st.
HOT SUMMER FUN DAYS OF THE WEEK
Momentum members can win big or score some sweet deals every day of the week during Hot Summer Fun!
On Maximum Mondays, Momentum members will receive 5X entries into the Toys of Summer Giveaway while playing slot machines or table games, where one lucky guest will walk away with an outdoor toy of their choice. Maximum Mondays take place from June 17th – August 26th.
Two for Tuesdays doubles Momentum dollars earned while playing slot machines or table games. Tuesdays also feature specials that are “2 Good 2 Resist”. From June 18th – August 27th, stop by Bean and Vine Café & Wine Bar between 7:00am and Noon to receive a small Starbucks coffee for $2.00, or pick two pastries for $6.00. At Electric City Roasting Company, mix and match two candy bars, cookies, muffins or small coffees for $5.00 between 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Slice’d has lunch covered, offering Momentum members the choice of two salads, pastas and hoagies for $13.99 from 11:30am – 3:00pm. Last but not least, Molly O’Sheas offers guests the chance to “double up the beef” on all burgers and sandwiches for just $5.00 from 4:00pm – 10:00pm. Plus, step up to the challenge and try the Molly’s 2lb Reuben for just $18.99.
Free Tee Wednesdays offers free t-shirts all summer long. Every Wednesday from June 19th – August 28th, Momentum members can print a voucher at any Promotional Kiosk starting at 4:00pm and redeem the voucher for a t-shirt at the Promotions booth from 4:00pm – 8:00pm. A new t-shirt color is offered every week! T-shirts limited to the first 500 Momentum members to print the voucher, valid ID is required.
During Rockin’ Thursdays, wear any Mohegan Sun Pocono apparel and receive $10.00 in Free Slot Play. Anyone wearing a limited edition 2019 Hot Summer Fun t-shirt receives $20.00 in Free Slot Play. Momentum members can claim Free Slot Play at the Player’s Club from 8:00am – Midnight, limit once per person, per week. Rockin’ Thursdays take place from June 20th – August 29th.
Rockin’ Thursdays also marks the return of Party on the Patio, hosted by 105 The River. Northeast Pennsylvania’s top spot for live entertainment features some favorite tribute bands, including NEPA natives 7800 Fahrenheit and A Proud Monkey. The biggest free party of the summer also includes some delicious food truck bites and drink specials at the outdoor entertainment venue overlooking the race track amid a beautiful mountain landscape all summer long. Doors open for Party on the Patio at 6:30pm and the bands start at 7:30pm. All attendees must be 21 and over. For a full Party on the Patio entertainment lineup, visit the Mohegan Sun Pocono website.
Kick-start the weekend with Made In The Shade Fridays and the Fifty Shades of Summer Giveaway! Beginning June 21st through August 30th, every 30 minutes from 5:00pm – 10:00pm, five Momentum members will be randomly selected to try their luck on a giant digital game board to win a share of $250,000 in prizes. Prizes range from $200 in Free Slot Play to up to a weekly guaranteed $5,000 cash prize. The 50 Momentum members that reveal a pair of Ray-Ban® sunglasses on the game board will be finalists for the $50,000 Grand Prize drawing on Friday, August 30th.
Summer Fun Saturdays Momentum members can receive 10X entries into the Toys of Summer Giveaway, where one lucky guest will walk away with an extreme off-road toy of their choice. Summer Fun Saturdays take place from June 22nd – August 31st.
On Saturday, August 31st, Mohegan Sun Pocono celebrates Labor Day weekend with some exciting giveaways. From 6:00pm – 9:30pm, five Momentum members will be selected every 30 minutes to win $500 in Free Slot Play. The Grand Prize Drawing will take place at 10:00pm, and one lucky winner will receive their choice of an extreme off-road summer toy, valued up to $25,000, from Two Jacks Cycle and Powersports, while five other winners will also win $1,000 cash. Hourly entry activation for these giveaways starts at 5:00pm on August 31st by using a Momentum card at any slot machine or table game. Winners have 30 minutes to report to the Promotions booth to claim their prize.
The Momentum member with the highest score all summer long will win a trip to Las Vegas and compete in the TournEvent of Champions’ Million Dollar Event on October 16, 2019.
HOT SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT
Hot Summer Fun brings the best variety of summer entertainment for everyone!
The Spirit of the America Wall is a one-of-a-kind traveling memorial, taking guests on a journey through 230 years of American history and heroism while honoring the brave men and women who have fought for America’s freedom. This free event takes place July 3rd through July 7th from 10:00am – 6:00pm in the Keystone Grand Ballroom. For more information about the exhibit, please visit spiritofamericastory.com.
The Food Truck Festival is bringing the top food truck cuisine in NEPA to Mohegan Sun Pocono’s outdoor entertainment venue on Sunday, August 25th from Noon to 5:00pm. This free event is perfect for families, and also features live bands and a crowd favorite, NEPA Cornhole walk-up tournaments.
Legendary Funk band Kool & The Gang stops by Mohegan Sun Pocono for an outdoor concert on Friday, August 23rd. Kool & the Gang will be joined by Morris Day & the Time. Doors open at 5:30pm and the show starts at 7:30pm. General Admission tickets are $35.00, and are on sale Friday, June 7th at 10:00am via ticketmaster.com and the Mohegan Sun Pocono Box Office located at Player’s Club. Guests who purchase tickets at the Mohegan Sun Pocono Box Office will also receive one voucher for $10.00 in Free Slot Play per ticket, valid on Friday, August 23rd. Free Slot Play offer is redeemable by guests ages 21 and over. A Momentum account and purchased ticket is required at the time of redemption for Free Slot Play. This offer is not valid for tickets purchased via ticketmaster.com or by phone. The concert is general admission, standing room, with limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. ADA sections will be available for those who need wheelchair or other handicap accessibility. Kool & The Gang has influenced the music of three generations with iconic songs like “Celebration”, “Cherish”, “Jungle Boogie” and more. During a career that spans over 40 years, Kool & The Gang has become of the most sampled bands of all time, all while earning two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top 10 R&B hits, nine Top 10 Pop hits, and 31 gold and platinum albums. Morris Day played an essential role in the development of the Twin City dance/club sound of the 1980s. Day’s involvement with the late musical icon Prince traces back to 1980 when his composition “Partyup,” originally recorded when he was a member of the Enterprise, was covered on Prince’s Dirty Mind album. A founding member of Prince’s band, The Time, Morris Day remained with the group until he launched his solo career in 1984.
For more information on Hot Summer Fun and other events at Mohegan Sun Pocono, please visit our website.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN POCONO
Mohegan Sun Pocono, owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, was the first destination to bring gaming to Pennsylvania in 2006 and since then has become one of the premier entertainment, gaming, shopping, and dining destinations in the state. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun Pocono features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including over 80 live table games, 2,300 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun Pocono is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting our website. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, download our app and view us on YouTube.
Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER.
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Apr 8, 2019 | Breaking News, Entertainment, General News, Special Events, Sports
WILKES-BARRE, PA – (April 8, 2019) – Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Sunday, April 28th event at Mohegan Sun Pocono with Saquon Barkley has been cancelled.
Mohegan Sun Pocono’s full events & entertainment calendar can also be found at: MSP Entertainment
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN POCONO
Mohegan Sun Pocono, owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, was the first destination to bring gaming to Pennsylvania in 2006 and since then has become one of the premier entertainment, gaming, shopping, and dining destinations in the state. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun Pocono features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including over 80 live table games, 2,300 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun Pocono is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting our website. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, download our app and view us on YouTube.
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