BUSINESS MEMO: PLAYERS NEW GRAND OPENING

Players Island Casino, the new Polynesian-themed gambling, dining and entertainment complex at Metropolis, Ill., held its "official" grand opening celebration last week.

A number of mayors and officials from Southern Illinois and western Kentucky attended the "island Luau" Tuesday, which followed the unveiling of the new facility that includes a 300-seat island Buffet, Coral Reef VIP lounge, Trader Gift Shop, and the riverboat casino, which cruises the Ohio River.

The island theme was constructed at a cost of more than $9 million. Players Casino is one of the top 10 employers in Southern Illinois and attracts more than 2 million visitors each year. Players opened at Metropolis in February 1993.