The Grand Open in Studio City today
Studio City, a $3.2 billion film-themed leisure resort and casino by Melco Crown Entertainment (MCE), today celebrated the grand opening in Macau and Asia, marking the beginning of a "new era," MCE CEO Lawrence Ho said at the start of the event.
In the past few weeks, the peak of the 14-month extreme highs and lows experienced by the local casino market, there has been a steady stream of news surrounding the opening of the Kotai Street facility, including the Macau government, which granted Studio City 250 game tables, the unveiling of the Studio City Event Center, and the changing of the MCE's marketing strategy to a more family-friendly holiday destination. Also, Studio City's exclusion from the junket room is a "business decision" driven by the government's allocation of new market tables for gaming properties, the MCE's co-chair revealed at the grand opening today.
But the lack of VIP junkets is sure to be overshadowed by the Hollywood elite at today's opening, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese. The absent Brad Pitt celebrated the opening ceremony by appearing in Martin Scorsese's 15-minute short film "Audition."
Characteristics of Macau Studio City
o Hotel – Celebrity Tower and All Suite Star Tower with over 600 suites 1,600+ rooms available
o RiverScape Spa – with rolling swimming pools with waterfalls and artificial beaches including Aqua Play, a swimming pool for children
o Golden Reel – World's Highest Figure-8 Ferris Wheel
o The House of Magic – Three-theater arena, including two 150-seat indoor magic theaters and the main 300-seat theater where renowned fantasist Franz Harari hosts a touching "Mega Magic."
o Batman Dark Flight – DC Comics' first Batman 4D flight simulation ride
o Pacha Macao – Ibiza Nightlife's Biggest Name/Premium Club, Outside Patio and 4 P'sThere's a LIVIT room
o Studio City Event Center – 40,375 square feet of arena hosting live performances and sporting events and 16 elaborate VIP suites for private parties
o Warner Bros. Fun Zone – 40,000 sq ft playground for children filled with popular Warner Bros., DC Comics and Hanna-Barbera characters
o Dining – Includes 20 Chinese, international, Asian restaurants, cafes and bars
o Shops – The Boulevard at Studio City – 35,000 sq m retail mecca
o Casino – over 500,000 square feet of game consoles and table games, including baccarat, blackjack, Caribbean stud poker,
o MICE – planning services for weddings and banquets