Casino Aztar In Evansville Indiana
| Tropicana Evansville | |
|---|---|
| Location | Evansville, Indiana |
| Address | 421 NW Riverside Drive |
| Opening date | 1995 |
| No. of rooms | 250 main hotel 100 boutique hotel |
| Total gaming space | 45,000 sq ft (4,200 m2) |
| Signature attractions | The District |
| Casino type | Land-based |
| Owner | Gaming and Leisure Properties |
| Operating license holder | Caesars Entertainment |
| Previous names | Casino Aztar |
| Coordinates | 37°58′22″N87°34′49″W / 37.972756°N 87.580219°WCoordinates: 37°58′22″N87°34′49″W / 37.972756°N 87.580219°W |
| Website | tropevansville.com |
Tropicana Evansville is a casino hotel and entertainment complex in downtown Evansville, Indiana, owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties and operated by Caesars Entertainment. Originally named Casino Aztar, it was opened by Aztar Corporation in 1995 as the state's first casino. In addition, as of 2017, it also became the state's first land based casino as well.
Tropicana Evansville originally opened in 1995 as Casio Aztar, the first of Indiana's riverboat casinos. On February 24, 2016 the Indiana Gaming Commission granted approval to Tropicana to build a $50 million land casino next to the Tropicana Evansville Hotel and LeMerigot Hotel. Featuring an on-site casino and several restaurants, this Evansville riverfront hotel is less than 1 miles from entertainment at the Ford Center. Each guest room includes free Wi-Fi. A flat-screen cable TV is provided in every room at Tropicana Evansville. Coffee-making facilities are also provided. Select rooms boast river views.
The main entertainment facility consists of a 45,000-square-foot (4,200 m2) casino,[1] a 250-room hotel, a 1,660 vehicle parking garage, and pavilion housing pre-boarding facilities, retail shops, restaurants, and lounge area. A new entertainment district with a 100-room boutique hotel and additional restaurants opened in late 2006.
In 2005, the casino generated $137 million in revenue and $41 million in profits.[2] In 2017, the casino moved from its original riverboat into a land-based facility.[3]
Riverboat[edit]
The actual casino boat, called 'City of Evansville', was the state of Indiana's first gaming riverboat under legislation passed in 1993. It opened to the public in 1995. Built by Jeffboat in Jeffersonville, Indiana, the boat is a replica of the historic Robert E. Lee racing sidewheel steamboat crafted nearly 130 years ago. Jeffboat deployed 200 workers and spent over twelve months constructing the vessel. The exterior was designed by RA Stern, Inc. to appear as if the boat is straight from the Civil War era; the interior, designed by Morris & Brown Architects, Ltd., is purely Las Vegas glamor.
The boat is 310 ft (94 m) long by 70 ft (21 m) wide, has a depth of 14 ft (4.3 m) by 6 in (150 mm) and stands 80 ft (24 m) above water level (including stacks). It weighs 1,589 tons and has a maximum draft of 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m) There was a total of 47,863 sq ft (4,446.6 m2) of public space.
Hotels[edit]
Tropicana Hotel[edit]
The Tropicana Hotel opened its doors on December 17, 1996, originally as the Casino Aztar Hotel. Overlooking the casino and the Ohio River, the hotel has 250 guest room and suites; meeting, conference and banquet facilities; and a fitness room. The hotel also offers 10 suites, ranging from two and three room suites. Each suite features a whirlpool bath, sofa sleeper, wet bar, and mini-bar.
Le Merigot[edit]
Le Merigot, which opened its doors on December 28, 2006, was designed by Los Angeles-based interior designer Laurence Lee. This 100-room boutique hotel features Italian bed linens, LCD flat screen televisions in both bedroom and bath, in-room high speed Internet access, MP3 input, and glass-enclosed showers with multi-unit body sprays and overhead rain maker showerheads. The suites at Le Merigot offer guests a living and dining room area, master bedroom, and oversized bath complete with a soaking tub.
Riverfront Pavilion[edit]
The property's Riverfront Pavilion is designed to reflect the turn-of-the-century charm of downtown Evansville. The interior feature building facades inspired by buildings that in the early 1900s graced Evansville's downtown riverfront. These facades were constructed from materials indigenous to this area. The street scapes offer a multitude of textures and colors with a 'park-like' central theme. This complex houses a variety of dining and entertainment options. An enclosed walkway links the pavilion to a 250-room hotel, complete with meeting and banquet facilities. A seven-story parking garage offers over 1,600 sheltered parking spaces with easy access to the casino, hotel, and pavilion.
The District[edit]
The Downtown Waterfront Entertainment District is a $40 million expansion, opened in 2006. The district includes a 100-room boutique hotel and a multi-venu entertainment facility centered on a riverfront park.[4] Jillian’s Billiards Club and Ri Ra Irish Pub opened to the public on September 15, 2006. The Le Merigot Hotel and Blush Ultralounge and Tapas Bar opened on December 28, 2006.[5] The complex is located across from the existing hotel.
Following an unsuccessful run of business by Jillian's, it has since gone out of business and was replaced by Stoney's Rockin' Country Bar in 2011. Stoney's Rockin' Country Bar went out of business in December 2012. Boogie Nights, a dance club with a 1970s and 1980s theme entered the space in 2013 along with The Sports Book Bar & Grill. The Sports Book Bar & Grill closed in December 2014 as a result of management issues. Chido Mexican Bar & Grill will open in that space in August 2015, between Boogie Nights and Ri Ra Irish Pub & Restaurant.
References[edit]
- ^'Tropicana's new land-based casino officially open in Evansville'. WEHT-TV. October 19, 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-10-20. Retrieved 2017-10-20.
- ^'Gauging Aztar's Value'. The Motley Fool. Retrieved 2007-01-05.
- ^'$50 million on-shore Evansville casino opens to gamblers'. U.S. News & World Report. AP. October 20, 2017. Retrieved 2017-10-20.
- ^'Downtown Waterfront Entertainment District'. Veazey Parrott Durkin & Shoulders. Retrieved 2006-12-21.
- ^'Aztar to open hotel 'by the water''. Evansville Courier & Press. Archived from the original on 2007-10-17. Retrieved 2006-12-21.
External links[edit]
Owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties and operated by the popular Caesars Entertainment, Tropicana Evansville has grown substantially since its founding in 1995.
The 45,000 square-foot casino hotel comprises a 250-room hotel, 1,600-car parking garage, retail, restaurants, lounges, and more. On the site is also a 100-room boutique hotel, so if you’re into upscale accommodations, the latter is definitely something to look into.
Now for the good part: Tropicana Evansville is loaded with just about every casino gaming option imaginable. From classic slots to adrenaline-pumping table games to a poker room to even full-service sports betting, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for here.
Let’s look at a brief history then we’ll go into the casino and take a close look at everything the Trop offers.
Casino Astar Evansville
Ready for a look into Indiana gambling? Let’s go.
Tropicana Evansville History
Opened back in 1995 by the Aztar Corporation and originally known as Casino Aztar, Tropicana holds the distinction as the State of Indiana’s first casino. But it wasn’t until 2017 did the casino become the state’s first land-based casino.
That’s right. The Trop was initially a Riverboat Casino which came about after legislation swept through the state congress in 1993. In fact, at the time of this writing, most of your Indiana-based casinos remain in Riverboat Status, with the Trop being one of just four land-based casinos in the state.
That said, you can definitely count on the Trop to lead the casino and gaming industry in Indiana.
Ready to see what the casino gaming floor holds?
Keep reading.
Tropicana Evansville Casino Gaming
Tropicana Evansville’s game floor is loaded with your favorite classics and modern marvels. Come play real money slots and enjoy heart-pounding action with games like Wheel of Fortune, Blazing 7’s, Double Gold, Quick Hit Pro, Seven Seas, Timberwolf, and more.
You literally have hundreds of games and variations of those games to choose from. So even if you’re looking for a classic game with a modern spin, you can bet the Trop has something for you.
If table gaming is your thing, the Trop offers over 30 action-packed tables. Whether your game is Roulette, Craps, or Blackjack, you’ll find dozens of your favorites. And yes, you can bet that more action is on the way as Indiana’s first land-based casino continues to expand.
Ready for the poker room? Try your hand against Southwest Indiana’s best in Texas Hold ‘em and Omaha. Whether your game is limit, pot-limit, or no-limit, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re into spreads, parlays, over-unders, game props, or player props, wager your money and watch the action unfold at one of the 65-inch viewing monitors. And cross those fingers in hopes your team will prevail.
Tropicana Evansville Dining Options
Dining options at Tropicana Evansville include four excellent options, each with its unique theme, menu, and atmosphere.
If you’re looking to hit the home run on a steak Cavanaugh’s on the River presents flawless steaks, seafood, and breathtaking views of the good old Ohio River.
Want something fast and convenient? Brew Brothers Tap House is located steps away from the casino floor. Grab something fast and get back to gaming.
If you’re up for a little bit of everything, the Kitchen Buffet has it. Enjoy global cuisine at an affordable all-you-can-eat price. As you probably guessed, the Kitchen Buffet provides the widest range of options in the venue. There is a little something for everyone at this venue.
And finally, if you’re looking for an authentic, New York type of flare in America’s heartland, The Deli is it. Enjoy the bright, modern atmosphere and stock up on your favorite comfort foods. Whether you’re looking for pizza, desserts, or a quick grab and go, The Deli has it.
Tropicana Evansville Entertainment and Promotions
Club Tropicana Evansville Casino
Entertainment at Tropicana Evansville is found in the Piano Bar at Cavanaugh’s on the River. Take advantage of the upscale atmosphere while you rock out to the best local entertainment in Southwest Indiana and the surrounding areas.
And don’t forget to take in some of the most breathtaking views of the Ohio during the nightlife. You’re certainly in for a real treat in the lower portions of the Ohio Valley.
Promotions are always rocking at The Trop, including the weekly Facebook drawing called 500 Bonus Slot Giveaway. What do you win? Two lucky winners receive 2,000 bonus slot dollars and one lucky winner receives 100.
Just like the Facebook page, like the drawing post, and comment on the drawing post and your name will be entered into the weekly drawing.
Oh, and speaking of Caesars Rewards, what is it all about?
If you find yourself on the gaming floor of various Caesars locations, this is the greatest promotion out there. With over 55 destinations to choose from, joining the rewards program will let you build rewards while playing the games you love.
Just sign up to play, and get rewarded with benefits including special offers from Caesars Rewards casinos, free or discounted hotel stays, or a free night in Vegas or Atlantic City for every 5,000 rewards points earned.
Start as a Gold member, and rack up those tier points for even more rewards. The more you play, the more benefits you earn, and you’ll be the talk of the casino with VIP treatment and more.
Accommodations at Tropicana Evansville
If you love conveniently located choices, then the Trop just earned a few more brownie points. You can go for more economical hotel stay at the Tropicana or if you’re up for it, the Grand Suite at the smaller Le Merigot boutique hotel.
Choose from the Standard Queen or Standard King at the Tropicana Hotel for utmost comfort and convenience at a price you can afford. Oh, and if you’re up for views of the Ohio River and a light show that is Downtown Evansville, then this hotel will suit your needs.
Now, if you’re looking for a taste of luxury at a decent price, book a room in the single-bed King Suite. It has a small apartment feel with full furnishings, and even a small dining area.
And best yet, you’re just steps away from the casino gaming floor.
Now if modern luxury is your thing, you’ll find it at Le Merigot.
But when you walk into the Grand Suite, you’ll understand within seconds that your stay will reach legendary status. From plush robes and slippers to a large living and dining area and your own personal refrigerator, a vacation of luxury awaits.
Whether you’re the weary traveler or weary gamer who just put in a day at the casino. Le Merigot is sure to rejuvenate you.
Nearby Attractions
Evansville has two distinct minor league sports teams; the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League and the Southern Professional Hockey League’s Evansville Thunderbolts. So, if you’re a sports fan you have a couple of excellent options here at the minor league level to see live and in person.
If you’re into exotic wildlife, the Mesker Park Zoo will be your happy place. It boasts itself as one of the oldest and largest zoos in Indiana, having been in operation for nearly 100 years. Here, you’ll find 200 species and more than 700 animals.
If you’re into culture, history, and science, then hit up the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science. Other cool finds in the city include the Angel Mounds Historic Site, the Children’s Museum of Evansville, and the Art Deco building.
Annual festivals include the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival. It draws an additional 100,000 people to Evansville every October, so if you’re in the area it’s worth checking out. And you also have the Germania Männerchor Volksfest, which celebrates and recognizes those of German heritage.
If the latter is you, it’s a most definite shoo-in to attend if you’re in town during the last weekend in August.
Conclusion
There you have it. If you’re looking for some intense casino gaming fun complete with the greatest promotions and live entertainment in the area, the Tropicana Evansville has you covered.
Evansville, Indiana is also an area rich in culture and tradition, so definitely take advantage of venturing off the casino gaming floor and into the city. You’ll be glad you took a day or two off to explore Evansville.
Have you been to the Trop since it became land-based or were you there during its days as a riverboat casino? Let us know in the comments and tell us about your experiences. We’re always glad to hear from you.