Pittsburgh casino prepares for Aug. 9

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The ballroom won’t be open, neither will the sports bar. But 3,000 slot machines will be ready for gamblers when a new $780 million slots casino opens Aug. 9 in Pittsburgh.

The flashy machines beckon from an expansive open-floor plan with maroon, reds and earth tone carpeting and color schemes. The Rivers Casino features nine restaurants and bars and a multistory glass facade that overlooks the Ohio River, downtown Pittsburgh and Mount Washington.

“It’s a wonderful place. It’s exceeded my expectation immensely,” Holdings Acquisition Co. CEO Greg Carlin said during a media tour Tuesday.

A massive 74-foot translucent chandelier hangs from the atrium, ending above a bar. Its dozens of Plexiglas-type strips can be illuminated with colored lights to create a light show, said president Ed Fasulo.

Outside, an amphitheater between the casino and the river offers seating for 1,200 and will host Motown band Rare Earth for a grand-opening concert and fireworks.

The casino gives a nod to the region. Its high-roller Club 446 takes its name from the number of bridges in Allegheny County. Its Andrew’s Steak and Seafood honors famous Pittsburghers Andrew Carnegie, Andrew Mellon and Andy Warhol.

The casino boasts the first virtual roulette game in Pennsylvania, along with the state’s only $500 slot machine, Fasulo said. About 1,200 slots are one- and two-penny machines. The business eventually could have 5,000 slot machines or add table games if the state allows it, Fasulo said.