METROPOLIS GAMBLING FACILITY ARRIVES

METROPOLIS, Ill. -- A new island appeared in the Ohio River at Metropolis Tuesday.

Players Casino Island Paradise landing, which features a Polynesian theme, completed a six-hour trek from Paducah, Ky., Sunday, and was settled in at the foot of Ferry Street Tuesday.

The island -- a two-level, $9 million creation of more than 27,000 square feet -- was completed last week at Walker Boat Yard in Paducah.

More than a year in the making, the new dockside facility for Players Island Riverboat Casino is under a thatched roof and will feature lush vegetation, palm trees, Polynesian decor and colorful murals.

The old landing barge, which was created in 1993 for the original casino, depicting a historic old-west town, was moved Tuesday morning, making way for the new island scene Tuesday afternoon.

Gambling operations on the riverboat casino were closed following the 11 p.m. cruise Monday and resumed Tuesday evening.

Plans for the multimillion-dollar island, which will serve as a landing facility for the riverboat gambling casino, have been in the making for more than a year, but were officially announced only last month.

"The island concept has been introduced at two other Players locations -- first at Lake Charles, La., and earlier this year at Riverport Center in Maryland Heights, Mo., where two 30,000-square-foot Players Island casinos are located.

The island will become the new corporate look for Players, said Mike Crider, vice president and general manager of the Metropolis operation.

The newest Polynesian island complex at Metropolis will include island-themed dining and entertainment.

The complex here will also have an expanded 300-seat Island Buffet; a Coconuts Lounge with live, weekend entertainment; a Players Island Gift Shop and a 130-seat Island Terrace Restaurant featuring.

Further Metropolis phases include dockside upgrades such as a welcome center at street level along Second Street to aid customer dropoff and pickup, improved climate-controlled ramp facilities and an expansive hospitality area to welcome visitors to the island.

As many as 2 million visitors a year are expected to pass through the island.