PENN Entertainment Schedules Hollywood Casino Aurora Riverboat Closure Ahead of New Land-Based Complex Opening
PENN Entertainment has set a firm timeline for the transition at its Hollywood Casino Aurora property, with the existing riverboat operation scheduled to close at 5:59 a.m. CDT on June 10, 2026, and the new $360 million land-based facility set to open two weeks later on June 24, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. The move marks a shift from the current floating casino structure to a permanent development located near the intersection of I-88 and Farnsworth Road in Aurora, Illinois. Company announcements detail that the closure allows for final preparations ahead of the grand opening, including staff training, equipment installation, and final construction phases at the new site. The riverboat, which has operated for years along the Fox River, will cease all gaming and entertainment activities at the specified early morning hour, giving crews time to complete the handover before the land-based complex welcomes its first guests.Timeline and Key Milestones for the Aurora Transition
The sequence begins with the riverboat shutdown on June 10, 2026, followed by a brief period of operational wind-down that leads directly into the June 24 opening date. Observers note that this two-week window provides a compressed but structured period for regulatory inspectors to complete their reviews, while construction teams finalize interior finishes and gaming floor configurations at the new facility. Data from the company release shows the total investment reaches $360 million, covering land acquisition, building construction, and integration of entertainment amenities that extend beyond traditional casino offerings. The location near major highway corridors positions the complex for improved accessibility compared with the previous riverboat setup, which required specific docking and water-based infrastructure. Regulatory approvals remain pending as of the announcement, with state gaming authorities in Illinois expected to conduct final compliance checks before the June 24 date. Those familiar with similar transitions point out that such approvals typically cover licensing updates, security protocols, and operational readiness assessments for the expanded square footage and amenities.Facility Details and Operational Shifts
The new Hollywood Casino Aurora complex replaces the riverboat with a land-based structure designed to house expanded gaming areas, multiple dining options, and additional entertainment venues under one roof. Company statements emphasize that all current riverboat operations will transfer to the new site once construction concludes, maintaining continuity for employees and vendors who have supported the Aurora location. Those who've tracked PENN Entertainment projects in other markets recognize that land-based facilities often incorporate modern gaming technology and larger event spaces that floating structures cannot easily accommodate. The Aurora project follows this pattern, with the $360 million budget allocated across structural, technological, and hospitality components that support year-round operations independent of river conditions.
Preparation activities scheduled between the June 10 closure and June 24 opening include system testing for slot machines, table games, and point-of-sale networks that will operate across the larger footprint. Staff members will participate in orientation sessions focused on the new layout, while marketing teams prepare promotional materials tied to the grand opening weekend.