Sands closes its doors Saturday

The last cards will be dealt at the Sands Hotel & Casino today, as the 26-year-old Atlantic City landmark closes its doors to make way for new mega-casino.

Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. purchased the property for $250 million in early September with plans to demolish the building for a bigger casino and a more lavish hotel. Combined with Pinnacle's other real estate, the new business will have 18 acres of land with Boardwalk frontage.

The Sands opened in 1980, later becoming a popular hang out and, in the 90s, one of the first Atlantic City casinos to offer poker. Despite efforts to revitalize the Sands by adding a nightclub and upscale dining, the casino couldn't compete with the huge luxury resorts popping up in the city.

The closure, effective at 6 p.m. today, means the Sands' many employees will be out of a job.

"While we regret the necessity of closing the Sands to create an exciting new resort, we look forward to working with gaming regulators, state and local authorities on this project to create more jobs, tax revenues and other lasting benefits for the region," said Pinnacle CEO Daniel Lee in a statement after purchasing the property in September.

News Added: 11 November, 2006

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