SALAMANCA, N.Y. – Officials with the Seneca Allegany Casino will
be looking to hit the jackpot Saturday with a groundbreaking
ceremony set for the new casino and hotel project.

The project – dubbed the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel –
will feature 220-rooms and officially get under way at noon at the
casino’s front entrance. Slated to be in attendance are Maurice
John, Seneca Nation of Indians treasurer, and John Pasqualoni,
president and chief executive officer of Seneca Gaming Corp.

When completed, the project is expected to create about 450 new
jobs at the casino. Officials said the new 11-story hotel will
feature a combination of luxury accommodations, world-class gaming
and dining.

Among the amenities at the hotel will be 200 standard rooms with
either two queen or one king bed; 16 corner suites featuring a
living room area and pullout couch; and four grand suites,
including two grand corner suites

Meanwhile, the casino’s Web site indicates the hotel will sport
three restaurants, including The Western Door: A Seneca Steakhouse,
which will be able to seat 120 people; a 24-hour coffee shop
seating 140 people; and a Thunder Mountain Buffet seating 575
people. In addition, there will be two fast food outlets – Rickey’s
Cafe and the Java Cafe.

The hotel will also be home to a 2,800-square-foot entertainment
lounge on the casino floor, featuring 30 bar/slot seats and 30
table seats and a themed bar with 15 bar seats and 45 table seats,
according to the Web site.

Also offered will be a full-service spa offering Swedish
massages, aromatherapy, herbal wraps, hydrotherapy and facials; a
salon featuring hair and cosmetic professionals and offering
manicures and pedicures; an exercise area with the latest workout
equipment, indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub and deck, kids’ pool and
terrace; four meeting rooms, a ballroom and event rooms; a retail
area that includes a selection of body and hair care products, spa
items and swimsuits; and additional gaming, including slot machines
and table games.

The architect for the project is Jeter, Cook & Jespen of
Hartford, Conn.

The current casino, located off Exit 20 along Interstate 86,
opened its doors in May of 2004 and served more than two million
people in its first year. Earlier this year, an eight-story parking
garage was completed and is situated adjacent to the casino.