Tunica

[tombarnes]

I think that plan ended when Harrah's got control of the Grand Casino. I think there will be a new wave of expansion in Tunica, but something will have to happen with the Myriad project and also with Riverbend Crossing before much else goes through.

[DruidCity]

I sold my few shares of Myriad stock.

On May 1st, Myriad stated that the "closing is scheduled for August 1, 2007" for the land necessary

for the project. We're well past that date, and not one peep, so I'm wondering if the whole

deal has fallen through ?

http://www.myriadentertainmentandresorts.com/news.asp?id=5

[Rardy]

^well it's only 2 weeks overdue... Don't give up yet!

[Rardy]

An article in today's Memphis Business Journal says that the closing date for the land Myriad is buying has been pushed back 2 months, closing on or before Oct. 2nd. The price is also going up, but Myriad won't comment how much.

Per this article, it seems the development is still on track:

Myriad plans to build a $1.3 billion resort in Tunica with gaming, convention, retail, attractions and residential projects.

Myriad (OTCBB: MYRA) is planning a resort that will include two casinos, each with a hotel, a 400,000-square-foot convention and exposition center with a hotel, an 18-hole signature-design golf course, a significant retail complex, a health club and spa and other attractions, including botanical gardens, a water park and an "Eye in the Sky" observatory.

[tombarnes]

One does wonder why the purchase continues to be pushed back. In any event, this appears to be a sign that the project is moving forward, Thanks for posting the article.

[northernbizzkit1]

Sounds good. I really wish work would commence on some form of rapid transit between Tunica and Memphis. Even if it's commuter rail to the airport (which i think would be really successful) or downtown, I think this would help pour more money into Tunica. I just think that it's teetering on becoming a really big gaming destination...hope more Myriads come into play.

[tombarnes]

This article is essentially more of the same, but provides a little more affirmation that the project is scheduled to move forward.

Initially, two casinos may be built, with an eventual four. If this takes off, the area should receive an enormous boost. If, for some reason, it does not take off as planned, something will come along to fill the void. I'm still betting that somnething will be built here.

The Mississippi Business Journal Online

[Clobber]

There's an article in this week's bizjournals (Memphis). I don't have the account to get the full article, but the intro states that it could begin construction early 2008, that it will be built in phases, and the cost has increased to 4 bill. Hopefully that means more amenities.

http://memphis.bizjournals.com/memphis/sto...03/story11.html

[tombarnes]

$4 billion? That is a big increase. As you say, I hope this will mean a big increase in amenities as well. This is a chance for the area to grow exponentially. I hope that the casinos and hotels will be nice enough to attract something more than just the regional crowd which seems to have sustained Tunica thus far. This represents an enormous opportunity for the region. It would be great to know something more about the actual design. I have a feeling that the schematic designs on the website do not reflect the reality of whayt will be built there. Convention business will be an important factor in its success. Consequently, I hope that the airport will be upgraded to handle the potential business. I know they won't be doing an expansion right away, but it is something that may have to be addressed if the development is as large as it is purported to be. Things like this can't happen in a vacuum.

[Clobber]

$4 billion? That is a big increase. As you say, I hope this will mean a big increase in amenities as well. This is a chance for the area to grow exponentially. I hope that the casinos and hotels will be nice enough to attract something more than just the regional crowd which seems to have sustained Tunica thus far. This represents an enormous opportunity for the region. It would be great to know something more about the actual design. I have a feeling that the schematic designs on the website do not reflect the reality of whayt will be built there. Convention business will be an important factor in its success. Consequently, I hope that the airport will be upgraded to handle the potential business. I know they won't be doing an expansion right away, but it is something that may have to be addressed if the development is as large as it is purported to be. Things like this can't happen in a vacuum.

[tombarnes]

As you say, regional thinking is the key to success for this area, as with many. Transportation is a nissue which must be addressed if Tunica is to grow properly and not devolve into a sprawling miasma. Mush of northern Mississipi is headed in this direction and this has to stop forthwith. Intelligent planning is needed to intefgrate the southern suburbs of Memphis into the larger metropolitan region. Until this happens, there will be a collection of NIMBYvilles and a cluster of casinos and little else to sustain life beyond tourism and sprawl. If the area sprawls too much, it will be less and less attractive to visitors. Who wants to fly to Tunica if one has to sit in traffic forever to get there? A clean, fast and convenient method of transporting visitors is essential- especially if the ambitious plans for the Myriad come to fruition.

[Clobber]

As you say, regional thinking is the key to success for this area, as with many. Transportation is a nissue which must be addressed if Tunica is to grow properly and not devolve into a sprawling miasma. Mush of northern Mississipi is headed in this direction and this has to stop forthwith. Intelligent planning is needed to intefgrate the southern suburbs of Memphis into the larger metropolitan region. Until this happens, there will be a collection of NIMBYvilles and a cluster of casinos and little else to sustain life beyond tourism and sprawl. If the area sprawls too much, it will be less and less attractive to visitors. Who wants to fly to Tunica if one has to sit in traffic forever to get there? A clean, fast and convenient method of transporting visitors is essential- especially if the ambitious plans for the Myriad come to fruition.

[djensen330]

Can someone post the article PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and are they talking Myraid or riverbend

Thanks

[tombarnes]

Myriad is under discussion in the article. Unfortunately, I don't have a paid subscription to the MBJ, but here's the link again for you.

Memphis Journal of Business

[tombarnes]

Announcement Expected Today from the Grand Casino in Tunica

An announcement of some importance is expected today from Harrah's regarding the Grand Casino in Tunica. The blurb below hints at a possible linking with a celebrity chef and goes on to note an appearance by Paula Deen. As for what this may mean in terms of renovation or expansion in the larger sense, we may find out more today.

The Sun-Herald

[tombarnes]

Grand Casino Tunica Will Be Re-Branded as Harrah's Tunica

I'm really quite disappointed at the announcement that they will spend only $45m on this. The restaurant will indeed bear Paula Deen's name, but it's going to be a buffet- perhaps appropriate, no? I had hoped that they would do something significant with this property.

The Clarion-Ledger

[tombarnes]

Myriad Scaled Down?

According to a report by gaming guru Rudi Schiffer, the extension for the land acquisition for the Myriad Resort has been extended to November 15th. Worse news is the speculation that the project has been scaled down to two casinos and one 600 room hotel. If the hotel is a Fairmont or a Four Seasons, that would be one thing. That, however, isn't likely to happen. I'm beginning to think that this is turning into another Mississippi Bubble.

Rudi Schiffer- Casino City Times