Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia celebrates first anniversary
The Cordish Companies’ Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has turned one year old, which it has celebrated by hosting a big birthday bash.
The Pennsylvania property welcomed various well-known faces through its doors to celebrate its first anniversary.
Since opening in February 2021, Live! Casino has contributed more than $325m to the local and state economies. This includes over $91m in taxes to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, $51.9m in compensation for team members and more than $81m in total jackpot pay-outs to guests.
Nearby businesses have also benefited from its presence, with Live! Casino having spent over $100m with local, minority- and women-owned enterprises.
In recognition of its efforts, City Representative Sheila Hess, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, proclaimed 11 February Live! Day.
Hess and Philadelphia City Councilmember Mark Squilla joined numerous business, tourism and community leaders at a special celebration attended by The Cordish Companies’ Chairman David Cordish, Principals Jon and Reed Cordish and COO Zed Smith, as well as Cordish Gaming Group President Rob Norton and Executive VP Joe Billhimer.
Special appearances were made by former Philly Eagles’ long snapper turned fully fledged, professional magician Jon Dorenbos and Mummers champions, the South Philadelphia String Band.
“We’re so proud of the positive impact that we’ve made on our local communities during our first year in business and thank the City of Philadelphia for their kind recognition,” remarked David Cordish.
“We kept our promise to create a world-class destination, which has also proven to be an economic driver for the Greater Philadelphia region.”
Billhimer was similarly proud, commenting: “As a family-owned company, we consider the community to be extended members of the Live! family.
“We’re proud to be able to provide jobs and support local businesses, in addition to contributing directly to the organisations helping to better the lives of those around us.”