The Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) has officially selected the INSPIRE Athens consortium as the preferred bidder for the construction and operating license of the first Integrated Resort and Casino (“IRC”) in Greece. The consortium was created by the US company Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE), and GEK TERNA Group, with the aim to participate in the International Tender for the Concession of a wide-range activities Casino Operating License (EKAZ) in the Hellinikon – Ag. Kosmas Metropolitan Pole.
The winning bid submitted by the consortium proposes a state-of-the-art development plan, INSPIRE Athens, that includes a luxury hotel, premier entertainment venues, convention center, shopping, dining, casino, and a comprehensive mix of premium amenities. The landmark INSPIRE Athens IRC is expected to attract an influx of international tourists and provide a significant contribution to the pioneering Hellinikon Project that will redefine the modern identity of Greece.
“We are honored to have been chosen by the Hellenic Gaming Commission and believe that as the first Integrated Resort and Casino experience in Greece, INSPIRE Athens will further solidify the City of Athens as one of Europe’s most enticing and iconic destinations,” said Mario Kontomerkos, Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment’s President and CEO. “We recognize the importance of this transformative effort for Greece and are looking forward to leading the charge for one of the most ambitious development project ever undertaken in the country.”
GEK TERNA President and CEO Giorgos Peristeris stated: “In a difficult time for the country and the Greek economy, GEK TERNA Group participates – in collaboration with MGE – in one of the largest and most iconic investments taking place at the moment in Greece. An investment that is a vote of confidence to the country’s prospects, ensures important revenue for the Greek State and will bring growth and thousands of new job positions.”
The consortium’s involvement in the Hellinikon Project will support Greece’s local economy through the creation of more than 7,000 jobs in the region during and after construction, and is expected to contribute millions of euros annually in the form of taxes, infrastructure improvement, and public services. Additionally, international tourism in the Attica region is expected to grow by at least 10 percent.
The iconic design of the building was created by Steelman Partners, an international architectural firm specializing in IRC design and development. With state-of-the-art meeting facilities, a multi-purpose indoor event space, INSPIRE Athens intends to become a center for A-list music concerts, theatrical performances, major sporting events, and other arts and cultural activities on a weekly basis.
ABOUT MOHEGAN GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE) is a master developer and operator of premier global integrated entertainment resorts, including Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, Inspire in Incheon, South Korea and Niagara Casinos in Niagara, Canada. MGE is owner, developer, and/or manager of integrated entertainment resorts throughout the United States, including Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, as well as Northern Asia and Niagara Falls, Canada, and coming soon pending regulatory approval, Las Vegas, Nevada. MGE is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA and New England Black Wolves, a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League.
About GEK TERNA
GEK TERNA Group is one of the leading business Groups in Greece with operations also in Central and Southeastern Europe, the USA, and the Middle East. The Group’s expertise spans from construction, energy production and supply, concessions, waste management and mining activities to real estate development & management. With a total number of 4,000 employees around the world, the Group has invested more than €2.5 billion in the last years. Currently, GEK TERNA is implementing projects and investments of over 5 billion Euros, while the total capacity of the energy plants that the Group owns or participates in exceeds 2,500 MW. GEK TERNA is listed in the Athens Stock Exchange (FTSE / Athex Large Cap).
About Steelman Partners
Steelman Partners, based in Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international architectural firm specializing in the multi-disciplinary facets of entertainment architecture, interior design, graphic design, planning, theater design, purchasing, 3D design, and lighting. The company has offices in Santa Monica, Zhuhai, Macau, Manila and Ho Chi Minh City, and a new European location opening in 2011. Established in 1987, Steelman Partners has positioned itself as the premier touchstone in entertainment architecture. The firm is well known within the gaming industry with a client list that includes, MGM, Harrah’s, Wynn, Venetian, Lady Luck, Swiss Casinos, Sheraton, Hyatt, Plaza/El-Ad, Crown SDJM, Melco, Caesars plus many others. The company has grown in size from $155,000 in revenue with 4 employees in 1987, to now $42,000,000 USD in revenue with approximately 200 employees to date.
