Canadian casino operator Gateway Casinos And Entertainment Limited has announced that its new Grand Villa Edmonton development is to open its doors on the evening of September 7 complete with 600 slots and 24 gaming tables spread across 60,000 sq ft of entertainment space.

The first attraction to completed for the new Ice District, which is a downtown area centered around the Alberta city’s Rogers Place ice hockey arena, the four-story casino cost $24.5 million to construct and will additionally come complete with a Match Eatery And Public House restaurant while providing full-time employment for up to 200 locals.

“We are thrilled to announce the date for the grand opening of the Grand Villa Edmonton,” read a statement from Tony Santo, Chief Executive Officer for Vancouver-based Gateway Casinos And Entertainment Limited, which is responsible for twelve casinos in British Columbia and Alberta. “I am excited to show Edmonton and all of Alberta our premier destination for entertainment, dining and gaming. Grand Villa Edmonton will truly have something for everyone.”

Gateway Casinos And Entertainment revealed that the venue is to host an exclusive grand opening celebration on September 7 hosted by Edmonton-born former NHL defenseman Jason Strudwick. The firm declared that the event will feature live music along with giveaways and food and beverage specials as well as “a few surprises”. Members of the operator’s Player Rewards Club will additionally be able to swipe their card for a chance to win instant prizes and weekly cash draws while the first 200 people through the doors are to be handed an envelope containing vouchers that could be worth up to $76.