METROPOLIS, ILL., CASINO TO BE ENLARGED

METROPOLIS, Ill. -- A new island will be formed in the Ohio River.

Plans for a $9 million, 27,000-square-foot island belonging to Players International Inc., were announced Monday at Players Theater in Metropolis.

The two-level island, which will be just off the Ferry Street Landing shore in this city of 7,500 people, will be under a thatched roof and will feature lush vegetation, palm trees, Polynesian decor and colorful murals. It will be en route to Players Island Casino riverboat, which docks between cruises up and down the Ohio River.

Southern Illinois Players Casino, a gambling riverboat that opened more than four years ago, will become Players Island Casino-Metropolis.

"The island concept has been introduced at two of our locations -- Lake Charles, La., and Riverport at Maryland Heights, Mo. -- and will become the new corporate look for Players," said Mike Crider, vice president and general manager of the Metropolis operation.

Crider unveiled plans for the upcoming multimillion complex, which will include island-themed dining and entertainment.

The complex will have an expanded 230-seat Island Buffet; a Coconuts Lounge with live, weekend entertainment; a Players Island Gift Shop and Island Terrace Restaurant featuring lobster and other fresh seafood.

The island is the first of a multiphase project that will cost more than $20 million. The island barge is expected to be in place by the end of the year.

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

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

"The complete complex will be temperature controlled," said Crider, a western Kentucky native from Carlisle County who has been with Players International since 1992.

The majority of improvement funds will be spent in the immediate area, said Crider, and the complex will result in the hiring of about 25 to 50 employees.

Players International, headquartered in Atlantic City, N.J., is the largest employer in the immediate Southern Illinois area, with more than 800 employees.

"Since opening our doors on Feb. 13, 1992, we have undergone a number of changes in meeting business demands," said Crider. "When Players Island opens it wil be the latest addition, which represents both growth and a unique atmosphere for entertaining patrons."

Players has charted a course for growth and development with a focus on reinvesting in our property and the community, said Crider.

Statistics show that 25 percent of the riverboat visitors are from Missouri, 25 percent from Kentucky and 25 percent from Illinois. The remaining 25 percent are from a number of states, including Indiana, Ohio, Arkansas and Tennessee.

"We're anticipating a 10 to 12 percent increase in attendance following the new look," said Crider.