Mohegan Sun’s 400-room, 242,000-square-foot, $139-million Earth Tower celebrated its grand opening this morning, with a ribbon-cutting event. Mohegan Sun President and GM Ray Pineault, and Mohegan tribal chairman Kevin Brown “Red Eagle,” were present for the opening celebration and thanked everyone who worked over the last year and a half to design and construct the addition to the property.
A second hotel at Mohegan Sun’s flagship destination was something that both the Mohegan Tribal Council and Mohegan Sun senior leadership have been working toward since putting original plans on hold back in 2008 due the economic downturn.
“For us, this new hotel does represent the ability to have more room nights and stays, right here at the casino and that has already, just in these early days, proven itself out with the demand that has been placed on this new hotel,” chairman Brown said. “But it’s also important to the state, because it represents the 2,000 jobs as this went through the construction phase and represents 200 permanent jobs, as we extend our team members, into this facility, and keep it up and running.”
Additional special guests at the opening included governor Malloy, lieutenant governor Nancy Wyman, senator Richard Blumenthal and congressman Joe Courtney.
The Earth Tower’s design was modeled after the original Sky Tower, with the help of Architect group, Kohn Pederson Fox Associates. Sitting along the Thames River, the property consists of 400 rooms, including 39 suites. The lobby is home to various lounging areas along with Bean and Vine Café & Wine Bar for meals and drinks in the morning and evening. Located on the ground level, in front of the Tower, the outdoor Earth Tower Terrace will have gas fire pits and satellite bar & food service, when weather permits. The space can also be utilized for private functions, including wedding receptions, anniversaries and more. Each room and suite will also provide in-room technology such as Wi-Fi and modern, intelligent thermostats. Other amenities in Earth Tower include an all-new spa, fitness center and pool. All parking is free at Mohegan Sun as well, including hotel valet.
Access to Earth Tower is provided by way of two connectors, allowing entry from the Winter entrance and from the original hotel lobby.