SAN DIEGO, California – (Press Release) -- Feb.13, 2001 -- Tonight the glamour of old Hollywood will converge with the excitement of old Las Vegas at the unveiling of the Barona StarDome, an innovative $1 million neon sign and multi-media structure that is believed to be the largest indoor sign in any casino in the world.
Designed by Sierra Design Group and built by Mikohn Gaming, Inc. (Nasdaq: MIKN), the StarDome will be unveiled at the grand opening of Barona's new $40 million gaming complex on February 13, 2001 at 5 p.m., which will also mark the introduction of 2,000 brand new Las Vegas slots at Barona Casino.
``This is a very exciting time for us at Barona, to open our completed $40 million interim expansion and to be the first Tribe to have 2,000 brand new Las Vegas slot machines,'' said Clifford LaChappa, Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. ``When you walk into our new casino entrance, you can't help but think 'WOW!' I believe everyone who comes here tonight for the grand opening will be tremendously impressed -- you just can't help but feel amazed looking at the new casino.''
More than 18 feet high and 65 feet wide, the Barona StarDome will dazzle guests with thousands of twinkling lights and more than 400 mirrors, which surround the four arches branching out over the curves of Barona's newest gaming room. The StarDome, which cost over $1 million to design and construct, required more than 30 gallons of paint, 3,000 pounds of aluminum, 500 feet of neon, four pounds of glitter and more than 3,000 man-hours to build.
In addition to the glitz and glamour of the Barona StarDome, high-tech flat-screen televisions are conveniently placed between back-to-back slots so guests can watch their favorite movies and televisions shows while playing their favorite slot machines. These slots will have a remote control conveniently placed directly onto the machine. In addition, guests will be able to request a set of headphones from Barona Casino staff members for free, so they can listen to the flat-screen TVs without disturbing other guests.
Under the Barona StarDome, the casino features a number of popular new slot machines inspired by ``Tinsel Town,'' including Elvis!, I Dream of Jeannie, The Addams Family, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.
``Last July we were the first casino in California to receive the new Las Vegas machines,'' said Lee Skelley, assistant general manager, casino operations. ``Now we are proud to be the first casino in California to have 2,000 brand new Las Vegas machines. Nearly all of the machines in the new gaming complex will work on Barona's exclusive Voucher In/Voucher out technology, although some will be coin-operated, for those guests who prefer coin.''
To kick-off the festivities tonight, Barona will roll out the red carpet and fire up the Klieg lights in the style of a Hollywood premier, to welcome local luminaries and Tribal members. Members of the ``Legends In Concert,'' the world-famous celebrity tribute revue that plays to sold-out crowds in Las Vegas and all over the world, will perform throughout the casino during the evening. ``Legends'' stars at Barona will include Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, Cher, Elton John, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Robin Williams, Tina Turner, Garth Brooks, Liberace, Wayne Newton, Sammy Davis Jr., Dolly Parton and the Blues Brothers.
``The Barona StarDome represents more entertainment, more fun and more comfort for Barona's guests,'' said Rich Fiore, Vice President of Sierra Design Group, which develops and markets games and provides casino design consulting services for specialized casino gaming markets. ``If you look at all of the things Barona does to make sure its guests are always happy and entertained, you will understand why we believe that Barona is first in this department. The Barona StarDome is the casino's way of taking this to the next level.''
Admission to the StarDome unveiling is free to the public, and the first 1,000 guests will receive a free ``Legends in Concert'' t-shirt.