Penn Entertainment announced on Thursday that Hollywood Casino Aurora will open to the public on June 24, pending customary regulatory approvals. This will be the second new Penn property to open in the Chicagoland region after the grand opening of the land-based Hollywood Casino Joliet in August.
The $360 million entertainment destination is being developed across from Chicago Premium Outlets near Interstate 88 in Aurora. The property will feature a hotel, more than 1,200 gaming positions, a retail sportsbook, an outdoor entertainment area, a full-service spa, premium bars and restaurants, a 12,000-square-foot events center and about 1,700 parking spaces.
Penn expects to employ about 700 team members at the casino, nearly double that of the operators’ employee roster in Aurora.
“We are now months away from opening another premium entertainment destination in the greater Chicago region,” Penn Entertainment CEO and President Jay Snowden said in a statement. “We are thrilled to follow the successful rollout of Hollywood Casino Joliet last summer with another new land-based property, strengthening our overall retail portfolio in the Midwest and deepening our roots in the community.”
Hollywood Casino Aurora will feature an upscale 226-room hotel offering a variety of standard rooms and suites, and a beauty and wellness space called Drift Spa.
The property will be home to numerous world-class dining experiences. Penn has partnered with celebrity chef and entrepreneur Giada De Laurentiis to open Sorella by Giada. The Italian-California fusion restaurant will offer about 170 seats for indoor and outdoor dining, a contemporary bar and private dining options.
Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, operated by McClain Camarota Hospitality, will include Lucky Goat by celebrity chef Stephanie Izard; Five50 Pizza, a pizza concept from the chefs at McClain Camarota Hospitality; and Chicago favorites Antique Taco and Pretty Cool Ice Cream.
Additional restaurant partners that will be unique to Aurora’s Boulevard Food & Drink Hall will be announced in the coming weeks.
“These popular restaurateurs will provide our customers with amazing dining options at the new Hollywood Casino Aurora,” Penn Entertainment Senior Vice President of Regional Operations Rafael Verde said. “Together with our hotel, event center, spa and additional amenities, patrons will experience a vibrant atmosphere at this new area attraction.”
The events center will host a variety of events, including meetings, conference, weddings, galas, and entertainment. Entertainment bookings are underway, and the first public events will be announced soon.
Penn expects to receive $225 million in funding from Gaming and Leisure Properties, near the project’s opening, at a 7.75% capitalization rate. By the end of 2026, the company also expects to receive the remaining $21 million of the $50 million in funding being contributed by the city of Aurora.
