Update on Margaritaville Casino in Biloxi

posted May 7th, 2009 at 11:31 am

by Josh

The Margaritaville Casino that was announced in 2007 is still on hold but the backers are still committed to the project:

“The core of Margaritaville is going to be and what we announced is still there,” Payne said in an interview with Biloxi television station WLOX on Wednesday during the Southern Gaming Summit.

Las Vegas-based Harrah’s announced the $700 million project in 2007. Buffett, a Pascagoula, Miss., native known for his lazy-day beach songs such as “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” was one of the resort’s backers.

The project had been expected to be finished in early 2010 but was put on hold last year. Payne has no idea when construction may resume.

“So to your question about time frame, we just have to wait and see.”

“Unfortunately we’ve had to downsize the business, as many have in the Biloxi market to match the staffing levels to the volumes we now see,” Payne said.

Payne said Harrah’s remains committed to its Biloxi resort, and to the people who work there.

“There’s still a great opportunity to build a world class facility there,” said Payne. “The question is when do the markets open. When is the right time to do it?”

“We love the project. We love the location. It’s a matter of what are the new financing for it. And we continue to work on that.”

Tagged in Business Empire, Casinos

Pete

Build it and they will come. Eneryone is just waiting………..
Dianne Tercey

Come on ” PARROT HEAD fans”, get on the band wagon, cheer this place of happiness on. It is a staycation for us all!! Like Pete says, ” build it and we will all come!!
FINS UP!!!!
Peggy Brannan

We keep waiting.
Mike Diaz

Yes, build it and we Parrotheads will come. The economy is slowed but there are still plenty of folks with money that will come no matter what. I am sitting here at Isle of Capri (next door 10th floor) looking out the window looking down on the Margaritaville site and sad that it will be a while before we can stay there.
Don Brimmer

No, what’s sad is that you’re staying at the Isle of Capri. Move down the street next time.
Mike Diaz

Hey Don,
What’s really sad is that you have taken a negative tone…We don’t live around Biloxi so don’t know whatever info you seem privy to. Where “down the street” would you suggest?? Gulf Shores or Pensacola perhaps?? Your city is lucky we are spending money in their town. When Margaritaville opens we will stay there and pay the extra money. Until that happens, we will stay at the Isle where we have received good service and reasonable prices.
Salty Dog

What I don’t like is the fact it just came out in the news and on the Buffett Net that Jimmy is building a new Margaritaville now between Fort Lauderdale and Miami but this one is dead in its tracks here in Biloxi?
Somethings not right here fellow Parrotheads
Salty Dog

I am calling BS on this report. Not only is there a new Margaritaville being built in Florida but now I have found also in Nashville.

“Unfortunately we’ve had to downsize the business, as many have in the Biloxi market to match the staffing levels to the volumes we now see,” Payne said.

So that little statement holds NO WATER!
Salty Dog

Today Jimmy Buffett announced he is building a new Margaritaville overseas in Dubai…

WTF?

How bout we get working on the Biloxi one first and get it going? Or are ragheads oversea more important than your loyal fellow citizen fans here at home Jimmy?
Salty Dog

“From the Miami Herald: “Hollywood beach to get its own Margaritaville”

Hollywood city commissioners voted Wednesday night to go with a Cheeseburger in Paradise rather than Somewhere Over the Rainbow as they voted unanimously to approve plans for a $100 million Margaritaville resort on the city’s most prized piece of oceanfront land.”

So you don’t have enough money and the economy is too down to finish building the Biloxi Margaritaville?????????
Rosemary Passariello

I saw the sign last time I was in Biloxi…I was really anticipating the opening in 2010. Open the place…people will come
Salty Dog

Now you’re building a new Margaritaville in Niagra Falls?

Where we at with the Biloxi Margaritaville Jimmy?

You have left a vast block of concrete blocks on the beach of Biloxi?
MS Gulf Coast Rockin REALTOR

Did you see the t-shirt for concert Buffet did in Gulf Shores? Included TX, LA, AL, FL and GA? GA? Hmmm but no MS. How can he do all these other projects or at least have them go on without finishing Mississippi- It’s his home state. Who does that to their home state- start something and not finish. Very hurt!
Greg Daneault

Here goes my first rant in a long time I am so Glad that Jimmy Buffett took the time 4 Gulf Shore&do a free concert for them, why doesn’t he do a concert in Biloxi 2 benefit getting the EYESORE of a construction sight (Margaritaville) cleaned up! It pisses me off when I drive by&see it; it makes the coast look like Shit! I Like Jimmy Buffet,but it is his name on it
Tom Barnes

What is happening on the Mississippi gulf coast is insufferably sad. It is even more sad that developers are fleeing the coast. THIS MUST STOP. If tourists are to return to the cost, they must have more new hotels and resorts to visit. Harrah’s appraently has gobd of money to spend in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and elsewhere, but nothing to spend on the Mississippi gulf coast. Visitors will not return in great numbers without investment. It is nothing less than shameful to see the neglect of Harrah’s toward their property in Mississippi.
Don Brimmer

Hey Mike,
The only negative intention is your response. I don’t live in the area, so there’s no “privy” to offer. Matter of fact, I’m about 350 miles away. I visit the area a lot to know that end of the strip is dead. The Beau and The Rock are the only 2 I’ll waste my money on.

Update on Margaritaville Casino in Biloxi

posted May 7th, 2009 at 11:31 am

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