Rivers Casino, NY Celebrates Milestone With Topping-Off Ceremony

The $330 million Rivers Casino and Resort gaming facility in Schenectady which is currently being constructed celebrated a milestone recently. The last steel beam for the building was hoisted in the presence of representatives from all stakeholders including community leaders, local officials, construction partners and casino officials.

The final 60-foot steel beam was signed by leaders from the casino operator Rush Street Gaming, representatives from the county and the city as well as members from the construction team before it was lifted up. The beam is located near the entertainment lounge of the casino. The speedy progress in the project was applauded by all those present.

Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady

In a statement, Greg Carlin Rush Street Gaming CEO said,

Today, we mark yet another milestone for Rivers Casino Schenectady, and come another step closer to opening this first-class gaming and entertainment facility . We’re grateful to everybody who has contributed to our project including our talented design and development team, our committed contractors and all of the highly skilled construction trades.

Rivers Casino & Resort General Manager Mary Cheeks said on the occasion that the topping off ceremony marked progress towards the casino’s grand opening and added that she was proud to celebrate the moment with the construction team.

Gary McCarthy, mayor of Schenectady said that he was happy to see the casino rise with such speed. He further stated that the city had already benefitted from the $50 million given as the casino’s license fee. He added that the buzz surrounding the facility was also benefiting the region and expected the city to bring in more tourists once the casino went live.

The construction of the facility began almost immediately after the gaming license was awarded to Rush Street Gaming. The company has committed to an aggressive schedule for its construction phase and promised an opening in early 2017.

Anthony Jasenski, Chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature observed that the casino was going to enormously benefit the local school districts, the City and the County. The facility has been designed by DMAC Architecture, Klai Juba Architects and Cleo Design.

The construction management is being done by Norwood-LeChase, while Development Management Associates are handling the development management.

Rivers Casino and Resort Schenectady is expected to have a gaming floor spread over 50,000 square feet offering 63 gaming tables 1,150 slot machines and 16 poker tables. Other facilities include a 163-room hotel, large banquet hall, dining facilities including a steakhouse, day spa and an entertainment lounge.

We reported last month Rivers Casino will face competition with the planned $40 million expansion program of Saratoga Casino and Raceway.