New casino boat at Metropolis

METROPOLIS, Ill. -- A 259-foot paddlewheel boat has plowed its way through the waters of three major rivers en route to a new destination in Southern Illinois.

The North Star, constructed at Bender Shipyards in Mobile, Ala., has been operating as a gambling casino in North Kansas City since July 1994.

The vessel, which recently was completely renovated, will serve as the home of Harrah's Metropolis Casino starting this month. The North Star, with a capacity of almost 2,200 people -- 1,800 passengers and 380 employees -- arrived at the Metropolis, Ill., harbor Sept. 12.

To get to Metropolis, the vessel traveled down the Missouri River from Kansas City to St. Louis, down the Mississippi River to Cairo, Ill., and up the Ohio River for its final leg to its new quarters at a new and spacious entertainment complex at the foot of Ferry Street.

The vessel passed Cape Girardeau the first week in September.

Before the arrival, however, Harrah's opened the first phase of its new Harrah's Metropolis operation in late August. The new dockside entertainment complex, which includes a climate-controlled ramp and expanded parking, features Harrah's signature restaurants and a lounge. The complex also has the Range Steakhouse, the Fresh Market Square Buffet and the new Diamond Lounge.

Phase II included the arrival of the new casino vessel, which will replace the Players Island Casino vessel, which will be sold.

With the completion of the second phase, Players Island Casino will official be named Harrah's Metropolis Casino.

Mike Crider is vice president and general manager of the Metropolis operation.