PENN Entertainment announced it plans to open its new land-based Hollywood Casino Aurora on June 24, pending regulatory approval. The all-new brick-and-mortar property replaces PENN’s long-floating riverboat on the Fox River.
The $360 million entertainment complex, located near Interstate 88 across from the Chicago Premium Outlets, will become PENN’s second newly built property in the Chicagoland region following the debut of Hollywood Casino Joliet in August 2025.
“We are now months away from opening another premium entertainment destination in the greater Chicago region,” said Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment. “We are thrilled to follow the successful rollout of Hollywood Casino Joliet last summer with another new land-based property, strengthening our overall retail portfolio in the Midwest and deepening our roots in the community.”
The new casino resort will feature a 226-room hotel, more than 1,200 gaming positions, a retail sportsbook, spa, outdoor entertainment space, and a 12,000-square-foot event center. The property is also expected to employ around 700 workers, nearly doubling the company’s existing workforce in Aurora.
Dining will be a key highlight, with celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis set to open “Sorella by Giada,” an Italian-California fusion restaurant. Additional concepts include offerings from Stephanie Izard and other partners under Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, featuring a mix of local favorites and new dining options.
Rafael Verde, PENN’s Senior Vice President of Regional Operations, said: “These popular restaurateurs will provide our customers with amazing dining options at the new Hollywood Casino Aurora. Together with our hotel, event center, spa and additional amenities, patrons will experience a vibrant atmosphere at this new area attraction.”
The event center will host conferences, weddings, and entertainment shows, with bookings already underway. Initial public events will be announced soon.
PENN Entertainment said more details about the grand opening will be released ahead of the June 24 launch. The company is also coordinating with the Illinois Gaming Board to transfer operations from the existing riverboat Hollywood Casino Aurora on the Fox River to the new land-based facility.
The project is backed by financing from Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc., which is expected to provide $225 million at a 7.75% capitalization rate near opening. The City of Aurora is also contributing $50 million, with the remaining $21 million expected by year-end.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/03/20/118176-illinois-penn-to-open-new-landbased-hollywood-casino-aurora-on-june-24
