The Louisiana Gaming Control Board authorised the firm to become a gaming operator in the state and transform the existing site into a Live! branded casino resort and entertainment destination.
Regional first
Central to the redevelopment is the construction of the first land-based casino in the Shreveport-Bossier market, with opening scheduled for 2025.
In addition to fully renovating the hotel rooms and public space, Cordish plans to develop a new land-based casino as part of Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, to replace its existing casino riverboat.
Resort outline
The resort represents an investment of over US$270 million. The destination will feature an upscale 550-room hotel, resort pool and fitness centre; a 25,000 sq ft, state-of-the-art, multi-purpose event centre for top name entertainment, meeting, conventions, non-profit and social gatherings; and 30,000-square-feet of dining entertainment venues including more than six new food and beverage outlets.
Additionally the site will house more than 47,000 sq ft of gaming space including 1,000+ slots and electronic table games and 40+ live action table games, and a sportsbook.
Spectacular sports bar
Among the featured dining and entertainment venues in the facility will be Sports & Social bar and restaurant, which offers guests an immersive sports entertainment atmosphere. Its menu features an elevated selection from a made-from-scratch kitchen for lunch and dinner. The bar’s beverage programme includes cocktails, specialty drinks including Sports & Social’s signature Crush drink, and an extensive line up of brews on tap.
The venue features multiple digital media experiences, including a state-of-the-art LED media wall, that allows guests to watch multiple games and sporting events at once. Game days at Sports & Socials feature an electric environment with elements such as audio and visual displays including music and light effects. Sports & Social venues showcase a wide variety of interactive social and nostalgic arcade games throughout the space, as well as live music and special events during the week.
Cowboy cool
Another venue concept will be PBR Cowboy Bar, named after professional bull riders. The bar will bring an authentic country western experience that marries a combination of ‘cowboy cool’ and entertainment.
The venue offers country music, expansive bars, private VIP tables, innovative sound and lighting and a mechanical bull.
Asian dining
Additionally, the property will feature Luk Fu (pronounced ‘Luck Foo’), an Asian-themed restaurant featuring the traditional flavours of southeast Asia. Chefs from Vietnam, Japan, Korea, and China blend ingredients imported from their native lands with locally grown produce, poultry, seafood and meats to create a menu including dim sum, a variety of pho, wok-fried and steamed noodles and sushi. Luk Fu traditional Asian street food market concept will be complemented by a cocktail list and sake selections.
Other onsite eateries will include a fine dining steakhouse. The proposed project is subject to approval by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
Transformative development
Joe Weinberg, managing partner, The Cordish Companies, said: “Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana will be a transformative development that will bring a first-class gaming, dining, entertainment, and hospitality experience, create significant new jobs, and generate millions of dollars in economic benefits for the community.
“We are extremely excited to continue moving forward with this project and deliver a world-class destination to the region.”
US expansion
The development of Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City continues Cordish’s expansion across markets in the south central and southeast regions of the US including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas where the company currently has over US$1 billion under construction adjacent to its Texas Live! development in the Arlington Entertainment District in north Texas.
Also in the pipeline is Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia on the outskirts of Petersburg, which will include a 200-key hotel, with delivery due in 2026.
