Las Vegas Sands Corp has announced plans to launch the first phase of the $5.5-billion Marina Bay Sands on 27 April 2010.
Marina Bay Sands, the most expensive integrated resort property ever built, will immediately hold its first event – the annual conference of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association – just a few days after its opening.
"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," said Sheldon G. Adelson, Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands.
“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. That determination defines this company as much as our ability to create and develop masterpieces such as Marina Bay Sands. 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," he said.
Thomas Arasi, CEO of Marina Bay Sands, said the company is planning to open 963 hotel rooms, part of the convention centre and shopping mall, the celebrity chef restaurants, along with several dining outlets and casino on April 27, subject to construction proceedings and necessary regulatory approvals.
“The second phase of Marina Bay Sands, which includes the Event Plaza, the Sands SkyPark (TM), and more dining options and shops from the world’s leading retailers, will open on June 23 as part of Marina Bay Sand’s grand opening celebration,” said Mr Arasi.
Additionally, one of the property’s two state-of-the-art theatres will welcome Disney’s The Lion King in October. The other theatre, which is expected to open later this year, will hold a variety of special events and famous headline acts. Meanwhile, the iconic Marina Bay Sands museum is set to open in December. It will feature international blockbuster exhibitions and will serve as a symbolic welcome to all its visitors.
“We are intently focused on meeting our construction timeline and preparing our team for opening and operating this extraordinary destination. We extend our gratitude to the people and government of Singapore for their steadfast support. We are confident Marina Bay Sands will make Singaporeans proud and that it will have visitors from all parts of the world travelling to Singapore to see it themselves."
"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 realize 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, Marina Bay Sand’s president and chief operating officer.
"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 which puts us in a superior position to pursue and secure future growth opportunities globally," he added.