Sneak peek at $380 million River City Casino draws local politicians and business types
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
March 1, 2010
by Deb Peterson
RIGHT HERE IN RIVER CITY: Todd George, GM of the new River City Casino, got to show off the $380 million over-the-top entertainment development today to a group of VIPs who were oohing and aahing over what that sort of money can buy.
Among those on hand for the sneak peek at the casino were: U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-St. Louis; John Giovenco of Pinnacle Entertainment; Jeff Ruby, nationally-known restaurateur who has a place at the complex; St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley; former state Rep. Tom Villa; plumbing company topper Bill Cocos; and downtown restaurant owner Pablo Weiss.
Guests were wowed by the interactive performers, which included an acrobatic aerialist who appeared to be serving champagne from the sky. They also noshed on an array of food samples available from the casino's many eateries, explored the gorgeous 1904 World's Fair-inspired property and marveled at the sheer size of the place.
River City opens to the public Thursday at 2 p.m. after a grand opening ceremony that includes the first roll of the dice by GM George and Ozzie Smith.
