The Cordish Companies celebrated the first anniversary of Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, the world-class gaming, hotel, dining and entertainment destination located in the heart of the Philadelphia Stadium District, announcing contributions of more than $325 million to the local and state economies. The festivities included an official proclamation from the City of Philadelphia declaring the anniversary date of February 11 as Live! Day.
The Cordish Companies’ Chairman David Cordish, Principals Jon and Reed Cordish, and COO Zed Smith, along with Cordish Gaming Group President Rob Norton, and Executive Vice President Joe Billhimer were joined at a special media and community celebration by Philadelphia City Representative Sheila Hess and Philadelphia City Councilmember Mark Squilla (First District), and numerous business, tourism and community leaders from the region.
The celebration also featured special appearances by former Philadelphia Eagles long snapper and magician Jon Dorenbos, and Mummers champions, the South Philadelphia String Band. A highlight of the event included a giant four-tier anniversary cake created by Philly favorite Termini Brothers Bakery.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, which represents an investment of more than $700 million, was pleased to announce contributions of more than $325 million to the local and state economies during its first year of operation, including:
- More than $91 million in taxes to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Team Members were compensated with $51.9 million in wages
- The opening of the facility created over 1,300 new, permanent jobs, with over 54% of Team Members residing in the City of Philadelphia.
- Local businesses have also benefited, with Live! spending over $100 million with local, minority- and women-owned businesses.
- Guests were also on the winning side with more than $81.7 million in total jackpot payouts. Live! continues to invest in facility upgrades and is constantly incorporating customer feedback to ensure the casino has the newest, most exciting games.
In recognition of the significant impact Live! has had on the City of Philadelphia and its residents, City Representative Sheila Hess presented the company with a proclamation declaring the official anniversary date of February 11 to be known as LIVE! DAY.
“We’re so proud of the positive impact that we’ve made on our local communities during our first year in business and thank the City of Philadelphia for their kind recognition,” said David Cordish, Chairman, The Cordish Companies. “We kept our promise to create a world-class destination, which has also proven to be an economic driver for the Greater Philadelphia region.”
COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY
The Cordish Companies has long embraced a culture of giving and community service and their entry into the Philadelphia market was no exception. Charitable organizations across the Greater Philadelphia region received more than $454,000 in contributions through cash donations and in-kind support, with Team Members volunteering over 500 hours of community service.
Among the many beneficiaries were Philabundance, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, Jaws Youth Playbook, Darren Daulton Foundation, the Delaware Valley and Southeast Youth Athletic Leagues, and more.
“As a family-owned company, we consider the community to be extended members of the Live! family. We’re proud to be able to provide jobs and support local businesses, in addition to contribute directly to the organizations helping to better the lives of those around us,” said Joe Billhimer, Executive Vice President, Cordish Gaming Group. “We look forward to continuing this support during year two, and beyond.”
During its inaugural year, the property was awarded the prestigious ‘Best Overall Gaming Resort in Pennsylvania‘ by Casino Player Magazine readers, and received top accolades by USA Today readers, naming the Live! Rewards customer loyalty program and the award-winning steakhouse The Prime Rib as one of the Top 5 in the country for Best Players Club and Best Casino Restaurant in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
