Las Vegas Sands Corp. has announced it plans to open the first phase of its USD5.5-billion Marina Bay Sands development on 27 April 2010. Arguably one of the world’s most challenging construction projects and certainly the most expensive stand-alone integrated resort property ever built, Marina Bay Sands will host its first event, the Inter-Pacific Bar Association’s annual conference, just days after opening its doors.
"Nearly four years ago, we embarked on a journey we believed would define the future of our company and at the same time change the face of tourism in Singapore and the South Asian region for decades to come. Now, as we approach the opening of Marina Bay Sands – one of the most remarkable leisure and business destinations ever created – it seems both of those ambitions are about to come true," Las Vegas Sands Chairman and CEO Sheldon G Adelson said on Tuesday.
"Despite the challenging, and at times unprecedented economic conditions companies like ours recently faced, our dedication to completing this development never wavered, not even for a second… We have no doubt the property will be a tremendous success, but how we got to this point will be every bit as important to the future prospects of our company," said Adelson.
Marina Bay Sands CEO Thomas Arasi said the property is planning for 963 hotel rooms, part of the shopping mall and convention centre, celebrity-chef restaurants along with other dining outlets, and the casino to open on 27 April, subject to construction proceeding as scheduled and being able to attain the necessary regulatory approvals.
The second phase, which includes the Sands SkyPark, the Event Plaza along Marina Bay, more shops from leading retailers, additional dining options, and nightlife offerings, will open on 23 June as part of the property’s opening celebration, Arasi said. In October, one of the property’s theatres will welcome Disney’s The Lion King. A second theatre, which will also open later this year, will be home to special events and famous headline acts. The Marina Bay Sands museum, expected to open by December, will feature popular international exhibitions.
"While the opening of Marina Bay Sands is exciting on many fronts, the introduction of our first development in South Asia also represents an important geographical milestone for Las Vegas Sands. The launch of Marina Bay Sands, in combination with our significant presence in the growing Macau market, positions us to realise substantial long-term financial benefits through our proximity to many of the world’s fastest growing economies, both in North and South Asia. It will also make us less dependent on our operations in locations where the economy is still working to recover," said Michael Leven, the company’s President and COO. "Singapore also provides another platform to demonstrate our position as the leading innovator of these large-scale, economy-changing business and tourism developments – a role that puts us in a superior position to pursue and secure future growth opportunities globally."