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Proposed Arena District Casino Would Be Branded 'Hollywood Casino'

Casino Future (Added: October 08, 2009)

What would a casino look like in the Arena District and what could it bring the community? (more)

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By Patrick Preston
Published: October 08, 2009

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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Legends of Hollywood could be a regular site in Columbus' Arena District if voters approve the Issue 3 casino proposal next month.

Eric Schippers, vice president of public affairs for Penn National, the company that would own and operate the Arena District casino if Issue 3 passes told NBC 4 the company would brand the facility a Hollywood Casino, like its property in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

"It's not going to be a gaudy, neon-filled thing. It's going to fit what you already see down here," Schippers said of the site on West Nationwide Boulevard. "We're going to do some beautification efforts to
the entire area. Hopefully, we can improve views of the waterfront, maybe even do some jogging paths or walking paths down here."

The former machine shop site where the casino would be built is behind Huntington Park and a block from Nationwide Arena. Penn National does not plan to provide renderings of what the casino would look like before the November election, but Schippers said the building would be single-story, with an attached parking garage.

"We're going to have everything from back lots and movie sets, to an Imax-style theatre stage that will be an entertainment lounge," Schippers said.

Penn National does not plan to build a hotel at the site. Instead, the company would direct customers to existing Downtown Columbus hotels. Schippers said the casino would have dining options, but declined to give specifics. He also said Penn National has hired a traffic consultant to combat potential traffic congestion.

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