Bally’s Chicago celebrated the placement of its final structural beam with a topping-off ceremony, attended by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., Bally’s Executive Chairman Soo Kim and local union leaders.
“This is a significant milestone for Bally’s Chicago and reflects the incredible effort of the union trades and partners who have made this moment possible,” Kim said.
“We’re proud of the progress to date and excited to move into the next phase as we deliver a one-of a-kind destination for the people of Chicago.”
Once completed, the $1.7bn development will feature 3,400 slot machines, 173 table games, a 500-room hotel tower and a 3,000-seat theatre, as well as create approximately 3,000 permanent jobs for the local community.
Bally’s Chicago is part of a 30-acre redevelopment of the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site, while the operator has already engaged WATG to lead the design of the casino’s interior gaming, entertainment and social spaces.
The permanent casino is expected to debut in the spring of 2027, as Bally’s released new renderings of its future Chicago property as part of the announcement.
On July 13, Kim confirmed Bally’s is near its financial goal to begin development on a multi-level podium at the site of the future Las Vegas A’s ballpark, which will offer beverage, dining and entertainment options before and after games.
The multi-phase mixed-use project will be constructed on the 24 acres accompanying the $2bn stadium currently being built on a separate portion of the 35-acre site which will eventually host Bally’s new Las Vegas casino-resort.
The operator has also been keeping both the A’s and Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI) informed of its development plans, given GLPI owns the land on which the ballpark and casino-resort are being built.
Bally’s Intralot subsidiary, Intralot Ireland, signed a seven-year contract extension with Premier Lotteries Ireland on July 16, extending the long-standing partnership through November 2034
