Parx Casino at Philadelphia Park in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, the state’s most profitable casino, announced the launch of a million expansion plan “designed to add new amenities and entertainment to the region,” according to a statement.
Slated to open in winter 2017-2018, the new expansion will add 45,000 square feet of space, bringing the property footprint to 375,000 square feet. It will feature two new restaurants, an exclusive poker room and the “crown jewel of the project,” a multi-purpose, state-of-the-art live entertainment venue, to be dubbed Xcite Center.
The new Xcite Center will bring some of the top acts in show business to the region, according to the casino. The venue will be highlighted by the latest cutting-edge technology, including advanced modern lighting, two 16- by-9-foot video screens, the highest level professional grade sound system available and advanced engineered acoustics.
The custom designed seating for over 1,500 guests will allow the venue to be reconfigured for live entertainment performances or special events.
Along with the Xcite Center, Parx will launch two new dining concepts as part of this expansion. Lombardi’s, America’s first pizzeria from Manhattan’s Little Italy, has chosen Parx Casino as its second location. The legendary eatery will offer its award-winning New York-style pizza and classic Italian dishes.
The main dining room of the European-style restaurant will have seating for 130 patrons, and guests will also have the option to dine at the custom-built marble bar adjacent to the main dining room. The Lombardi’s bar menu will be accentuated by a robust wine collection, with premium wines imported from Italy and Europe, all available by the glass.
The Liberty Bell Gastropub will be the second restaurant to open in Parx as part of this property extension. It will have a fresh farm-to-fork approach with locally sourced menu items incorporating grass-fed Pennsylvania beef, Pennsylvania premium reserve pork, free-range chicken, locally grown produce, Pennsylvania cave aged cheeses and more. The eatery will also feature a unique custom Rotisserie bar, boasting two Rotisol Rotisseries.
The interior design of the Gastropub will showcase natural materials such as stone, reclaimed wood and copper to deliver a warm and inviting ambience. With seating for 230 guests in total, the restaurant will feature an elaborate 30-seat bar and a large media wall with 14 high definition TVs behind the bar. The beverage offerings will include a vast list of wines from the Americas, classic cocktails with a modern twist and an extensive 28 craft beer selection available on tap.
“As one of the nation’s top casinos, we pride ourselves on offering our guests the best in gaming, dining and entertainment,” said Paul Greco, general manager of Parx Casino. “This expansion will bring the best new amenities to our guests—the Xcite Center, two new restaurants, and the new Parx Poker Room. We are honored that the legendary Lombardi’s is coming to Parx Casino and making us their second home.”
Parx Poker, which rivals the best poker rooms in the country, will move into its new home inside the main casino building. The new poker room will have high-end finishes, 22 high-definition TVs and a premier VIP poker enclave. Poker will join the 133 other live table games.
