Harrah's New Orleans Reopens Today

Harrah's New Orleans, closed by Hurricane Katrina, is scheduled to reopen noon Friday, Feb. 17, with a ceremony at the Canal Street entrance. More than 1,250 employees will be back to work.

The first 2,500 people entering the casino after the ceremony will receive a commemorative t-shirt. The first of the metro area's Mardi Gras parades roll later that day, beginning a parade schedule that continues through Mardi Gras Day, Tuesday, Feb. 28.

The land-based casino located at the edge of the French Quarter closed shortly before Hurricane Katrina made landfall near the city on August 29, 2005.

The building sustained storm damage, and was used by first responders as a base of operations in the days following the storm. Repairs to the facility have been completed and the casino's electronic systems, gaming devices and other infrastructure will be ready for the re-opening.

The casino features a 115,000-square-foot gaming floor, more than 2,000 slot machines, more than 90 table games, and a large poker room.

The Besh Steakhouse at Harrah's and Asian eatery and sushi bar Bambu return to the casino, along with international cuisine from The Buffet at Harrah's. Also joining the reopening celebration are the Cafés on Canal, featuring Fuddruckers, Starbucks, and McAlister's, plus Gordon Biersch brewery restaurant.

Work also continues on a 450-room, 26-story hotel located just across Poydras Street from the casino. The $150 million project is expected to open in September 2006.

Most Viewed Articles