The Queen Baton Rouge, the city’s first land-based casino, is set to open its doors to the public on August 24 at 9 p.m. Casino officials confirmed the highly anticipated opening date on Thursday. This news comes after an $85 million expansion project, which began in August 2021 as a transformation of the former Hollywood Casino.
However, the project faced various challenges, including rising construction costs and the high levels of the Mississippi River. Due to its proximity to the levee, construction work could not proceed when the river reached a certain height, causing delays. Despite these setbacks, the casino officials expressed their hope that the facility would be ready sometime this fall during a media tour in June.
The expansion of The Queen Baton Rouge involves adding approximately 33,000 square feet to the casino atrium. The valet parking area will be converted into an indoor space as part of this expansion plan. Furthermore, the well-known riverboat’s more than 750 slot machines and 18 table games will be relocated onto land, offering visitors an enhanced gaming experience.
Notably, The Queen will introduce several exciting features and amenities. One of the highlights is the addition of a DraftKings sportsbook, which will cater to sports enthusiasts who wish to engage in sports betting. Additionally, there will be Lit, a dedicated smoking patio equipped with a bar and around 100 slot machines.
To satisfy the diverse palates of its guests, The Queen will house five restaurants and entertainment venues. These include Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, 3 Woks Noodle Bar, Capitol Coffee Baton Rouge, 1717, and The Loft at 1717. With a range of dining options and entertainment choices, the casino aims to create a pleasurable and unforgettable experience for all its visitors.
In conclusion, The Queen Baton Rouge will mark a significant milestone as the city’s first land-based casino upon its much-anticipated grand opening on August 24 at 9 p.m. Despite facing challenges due to construction costs and the Mississippi River’s high levels, the $85 million expansion project is nearing completion. With its expanded casino atrium and new features like the DraftKings sportsbook, Lit smoking patio, and a wide range of dining options, The Queen will provide an exciting and vibrant entertainment destination for Baton Rouge residents and visitors alike.
