PENN Entertainment has announced Monday, August 11, as the grand opening date for its new land-based Hollywood Casino Joliet in Illinois. Pending customary regulatory approvals, PENN’s newest casino is scheduled to open nearly six months ahead of the company’s originally scheduled construction timeline.
The casino will anchor Rock Run Collection, a new regional commercial and residential development in Chicagoland located adjacent to the Interstate 80 and Interstate 55 interchange, which is estimated to have 230,000 passing vehicles daily.
The property will feature approximately 1,000 slots and 43 live table games, including a baccarat room, a retail ESPN BET sportsbook, an approximately 10,000 square foot event center with meeting areas, and roughly 1,330 parking spaces. The company expects to have approximately 600 team members at the new casino, growing PENN’s employee roster in Joliet by 200.
Additional details related to the grand opening of the new casino will be provided in advance of August 11. The company is set to work with the Illinois Gaming Board on the transfer of operations from the existing Hollywood Casino Joliet, which is located on the Des Plaines River, to the new landside facility as the opening date nears.
“The countdown to the opening of our newest casino begins today,” said Jay Snowden, Chief Executive Officer and President for PENN. “The move from our existing riverboat significantly improves our offerings in the highly attractive Chicagoland market, and both our existing customers and new guests will be able to enjoy premier gaming, dining, and entertainment at this exceptionally accessible new location.”
In addition to its gaming offerings, Hollywood Casino Joliet will also introduce numerous dining concepts for its guests. PENN has partnered with celebrity chef and entrepreneur Giada De Laurentiis for the opening of Sorellina by Giada. Marking the debut of her fusion of classic Italian cuisine and modern California influence in the Chicagoland region, the spot will offer approximately 170 seats for dining and a contemporary bar featuring a comprehensive wine selection with a casual aesthetic.
PENN has also partnered with McClain Camarota Hospitality to bring a slate of recognized Chicago chefs and restaurants to Hollywood Casino Joliet. Through this partnership, the property will feature the Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, a dining experience that will include Lucky Goat, an all-new burger concept from celebrity chef Stephanie Izard; Antique Taco, the first suburban location for the popular gourmet taco restaurant; Pretty Cool Ice Cream, a Chicago favorite that also has store fronts in Logan Square and Lincoln Park; and Five50 Pizza, a New York-style meets Neapolitan pizza concept offering.
“We’re thrilled to partner with these elite restaurateurs to bring amazing dining options to the new Hollywood Casino Joliet,” said Todd George, Executive Vice President of Operations for PENN. “These concepts will create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the property and provide our patrons with an array of food and beverage offerings that are unmatched in the market.”
In the third quarter, PENN anticipates accessing approximately $130 million in funding from Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc., for this $185 million project, the company also announced.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/05/28/106263-penn-entertainment-sets-august-11-opening-date-for-landside-hollywood-casino-joliet-in-illinois
