A major name change along Evansville's riverfront. Casino Aztar is changing its name to Tropicana Evansville. The entertainment destination, which is owned by Tropicana Entertainment Inc. has been called Casino Aztar since it opened in 1995.
Just like the flashy lights inside the casino, the bright Casino Aztar signs outside light up the skyline in downtown Evansville. But soon these signs will come down and new ones will go up. And when they do, it will be with a new name: Tropicana Evansville.
"Tropicana clearly is a stronger name recognition, and is really more of a national casino brand name that we think will really help us here in Evansville," General Manager, Ward Shaw said.
Shaw says the Aztar name doesn't really mean anything.
"Aztar came from Arizona Trust And Realty, that was the name of their development company. That company no longer exists anymore and I think that's the disconnect that a lot of customers who haven't been here before, they struggle with because they don't know what it means," Shaw said.
All of the signs at the casino, and the billboards that point drivers from Louisville and Nashville to the River City, will be changed. Officials say there will be a large Vegas-style sign by the entrance.
"When our guests arrive to the property, there's really going to be a 'wow' sense of arrival, and really help better communicate that excitement and energy that exists on the casino floor, and in our pavilion, and in our restaurants, and in our lounges, really get that from the outset from when you arrive, instead of having to get here and try to find your way to it," Shaw said.
Shaw says this is a great time to re-brand the property, since they've made many improvements like the new sky bridge, and the Casino Aztar Hotel renovations. Officials say the hotel lobby renovations should be finished by April.
During this Tropicana transformation, Shaw says the casino will update a couple restaurants and add slot machines. He says it's a big deal for Evansville, and another key milestone for the casino.
Shaw says the name change has been approved by the Indiana Gaming Commission. The sign changes will be discussed at the Design Review Committee meeting on Tuesday morning and at the Redevelopment Commission next week. Officials say you'll start seeing the signs go up in late May or early June.
Just like the flashy lights inside the casino, the bright Casino Aztar signs outside light up the skyline in downtown Evansville. But soon these signs will come down and new ones will go up. And when they do, it will be with a new name: Tropicana Evansville.
"Tropicana clearly is a stronger name recognition, and is really more of a national casino brand name that we think will really help us here in Evansville," General Manager, Ward Shaw said.
Shaw says the Aztar name doesn't really mean anything.
"Aztar came from Arizona Trust And Realty, that was the name of their development company. That company no longer exists anymore and I think that's the disconnect that a lot of customers who haven't been here before, they struggle with because they don't know what it means," Shaw said.
All of the signs at the casino, and the billboards that point drivers from Louisville and Nashville to the River City, will be changed. Officials say there will be a large Vegas-style sign by the entrance.
"When our guests arrive to the property, there's really going to be a 'wow' sense of arrival, and really help better communicate that excitement and energy that exists on the casino floor, and in our pavilion, and in our restaurants, and in our lounges, really get that from the outset from when you arrive, instead of having to get here and try to find your way to it," Shaw said.
Shaw says this is a great time to re-brand the property, since they've made many improvements like the new sky bridge, and the Casino Aztar Hotel renovations. Officials say the hotel lobby renovations should be finished by April.
During this Tropicana transformation, Shaw says the casino will update a couple restaurants and add slot machines. He says it's a big deal for Evansville, and another key milestone for the casino.
Shaw says the name change has been approved by the Indiana Gaming Commission. The sign changes will be discussed at the Design Review Committee meeting on Tuesday morning and at the Redevelopment Commission next week. Officials say you'll start seeing the signs go up in late May or early June.
Comments
Why is this news? It became Tropicana a few years ago, I thought!
Terry W.
February 25, 2013 at 11:32 pm
You can change the name all you want, but if they don't revamp it (duct tape EVERYWHERE) and treat people better it will still be the scurge of the Midwest
Brent P.
February 25, 2013 at 8:18 pm
