$500M Pickering Casino Resort officially opens with a Bang: Sold-Out Bryan Adams Concert, Confetti Cannons and $50K Donation to Ajax-Pickering Hospital Foundation
TORONTO (April 27, 2023) – Last night, the $500M Pickering Casino Resort celebrated its “Official Grand Opening” with an unforgettable performance by legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams and an inauguration celebration that featured ceremonial confetti cannons and a declaration from Great Canadian Entertainment CEO Matt Anfinson that the landmark destination resort is now officially open. Following a memorable cocktail reception attended by over 300 guests, Great Canadian Entertainment CEO Matthew Anfinson was joined by Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe, Ontario Minister of Finance, The Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, and OLG President & CEO Duncan Hannay who praised the resort as “the most modern casino in Ontario.”
After remarks from dignitaries and acknowledgement of the 1,100 members of the Pickering Casino Resort team, Mayor Ashe counted down to the ‘big moment’, while surrounded by dignitaries from the region, Mr. Anfinson pressed a large red button before confetti rained down on those assembled on stage and the hundreds of people who joined in the festivities.
Following a dinner reception for invited guests in the PIK, the resort’s private function space, Bryan Adams took to the stage and electrified the sold out 2,500-seat The Arena with a dynamic set including many of the legendary artist’s hits, including ‘Cuts Like a Knife’ and ‘Summer of 69’.
Adams engaged the audience and called out Blue Jays players Danny Jansen, Daulton Varsho and Brandon Belt, who presented him with an “Adams 23” Blue Jays jersey prior to show. Other notable Canadians packed the brand-new venue to celebrate the first live performance at the highly anticipated addition to the GTA’s entertainment scene.
The festivities also included the presentation of a $50K donation from Pickering Casino Resort to the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation, recognizing their vital contributions to the health of Durham Region.
Anchoring the Durham Live entertainment campus, The Pickering Casino Resort boasts over 2,000 slot machines, 90 table games, and a luxurious 275-room hotel, which includes a wellness centre with wave pool, sauna, fitness facility, business centre and luxurious guest rooms that are 25% larger than the average hotel room. With a world-class gaming experience for both visitors and locals, exceptional customer service, top-notch live entertainment, and distinct dining options including the brand new Copperhorn Meet House, CA·SU·AL, and acclaimed Vancouver favourite Sun Sui Wah, Pickering Casino Resort is a transformative addition to the GTA.
“We are thrilled to be officially unveiling all of our amazing attractions and especially the brand-new The Arena at Pickering Casino Resort which will bring a new level of entertainment to the region,” said Mr. Anfinson. “We are grateful to be joined by the incomparable Bryan Adams, the Hon. Minister Bethenfalvy, Mayor Ashe, and Duncan Hannay amongst so many wonderful people who have helped us arrive at this auspicious occasion. We are also proud to be honouring the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation and the essential work that they do for the community and look forward to continuing to be a welcoming and valued member of the community.”
The opening of Pickering Casino Resort is a significant milestone, and Great Canadian Entertainment’s investment in the facility adds to its commitment to Durham Region with its existing properties at Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel and Casino Ajax.
About Pickering Casino Resort
Located east of downtown Toronto, the newly opened $500M Pickering Casino Resort is a brand new, premier entertainment destination featuring a 96,000 sq. ft. casino, 2500 seat The Arena, Great Canadian Sportsbook, 275-room Pickering Casino Resort Hotel, nine distinct dining venues, and private event and flexible meeting space. The Arena plays host to the best in live music, comedy, sports, and special events year round. For more information please visit pickeringcasino.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Great Canadian Entertainment
Founded in 1982 Great Canadian Entertainment is Canada’s premier gaming and hospitality company with 25 gaming, entertainment and hospitality facilities in Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The Great Canadian Toronto Casino Resort project is currently underway, which once complete will include a 400-room hotel, 5,000-seat entertainment venue, new parkade, and multiple food and beverage venues.
Committed to investing in and offering opportunity to those in the communities in which it operates, Great Canadian supports over 1400 charitable and non-profit organizations across Canada under its PROUD program; “PROUD of our people, our business, our community”. A significant portion of gross gaming revenue from Great Canadian’s gaming facilities is retained by Crown partners on behalf of their provincial governments for the purpose of supporting programs that benefit healthcare, education, and social services in Canada. To learn more, please visit www.greatcanadian.com
RESORT HIGHLIGHTS
Casino
Equipped with the latest in gaming technology, the casino features 2,200 slot machines, over 90 “live” table games and approximately 140 “live dealer” stadium gaming terminals, and the Great Canadian Sportsbook, a dedicated lounge where fans can watch their favourite teams compete and live domestic and international sporting events, enjoy their favourite game-day food and beverage options and place bets at one of several kiosks.
The Arena at Pickering Casino Resort
The 2,500-seat entertainment venue features the best in concerts, sports action and special events. Grand Opening Weekend festivities continue as The Arena plays host to a United Boxing Promotions match featuring Brandon Bad Boy Cook and Marvellous Mark Smither on April 29, as well as a concert from beloved Canadian singer songwriter Jann Arden.
Dining
Led by Resort Executive Chef Oliver Heupel, who holds a Master Chef certificate and whose resume includes working in Michelin-starred restaurants and cooking for such luminaries as Queen Elizabeth II. The Dalai Lama, Elton John and Tina Turner, Pickering Casino Resort offers distinct dining experiences for every guest’s taste.
Copperhorn Meet House
Copperhorn Meet House is Pickering Casino Resort’s elevated steakhouse. Featuring a variety of specialties and top-quality steaks, Copperhorn serves dinner five days a week.
Sun Sui Wah
Hong Kong’s heralded Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant has delighted discriminating palates in Hong Kong and Vancouver for over three decades. The legendary Chinese restaurant’s warm hospitality and elevated cuisine is now open at Pickering Casino Resort, offering authentic, refined Cantonese cuisine including handcrafted dim sum, premium live seafood, slow simmered soup, traditional Hong Kong style barbeque, and its world-renowned roasted squab. Reservations recommended.
CA·SU·AL
Enjoy CA·SU·AL, a gastropub experience with an expansive local craft beer menu and robust menu featuring meat, fish, pasta and shared plates to satisfy everyone’s palate.
Rock House Grill
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Rock House Grill offers a variety of local café favourites from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. Whether you’re craving an omelet, salad, fried chicken or a burger with all the ‘fixins’, Rock House Grill’s casual vibe and great food is the perfect spot all day.
ZIOs
Whether you’re traditional and prefer classics like pepperoni pizza, fettuccini alfredo, a chicken parmesan sandwich or enjoy artisan offerings like truffle mushroom or gyro pizza, ZIOs is cooking up fresh Italian pizza, pasta and sandwiches Wednesday – Sunday until 2 a.m.
Great Canadian Rewards
Great Canadian Rewards members can take advantage of exclusive offers, including the lowest available rates, free or discounted stays, and other valuable benefits at Pickering Casino Resort Hotel, and across the company’s 12 properties in Ontario.
To book a hotel room or learn more about Pickering Casino Resort, please visit: www.pickeringcasino.com
To learn more about Great Canadian Rewards please visit: www.greatcanadian.com/greatcanadianrewards
About Pickering Casino Resort
Located east of downtown Toronto, the newly opened $500M Pickering Casino Resort is a brand new, premier entertainment destination featuring a 96,000 sq. ft. casino, 2500 seat The Arena, Great Canadian Sportsbook, 275-room Pickering Casino Resort Hotel, nine distinct dining venues, and private event and flexible meeting space. The Arena plays host to the best in live music, comedy, sports, and special events year-round. For more information please visit pickeringcasino.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Great Canadian Entertainment
Founded in 1982 Great Canadian Entertainment is Canada’s premier gaming and hospitality company with 25 gaming, entertainment and hospitality facilities in Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The Great Canadian Toronto Casino Resort project is currently underway, which once complete will include a 400-room hotel, 5,000-seat entertainment venue, new parkade, and multiple food and beverage venues.
Committed to investing in and offering opportunity to those in the communities in which it operates, Great Canadian supports over 1400 charitable and non-profit organizations across Canada under its PROUD program; “PROUD of our people, our business, our community”. A significant portion of gross gaming revenue from Great Canadian’s gaming facilities is retained by Crown partners on behalf of their provincial governments for the purpose of supporting programs that benefit healthcare, education, and social services in Canada. To learn more, please visit www.greatcanadian.com
