MGM Resorts International is preparing for a big opening today as the sixth and final casino of Maryland sets to begin operations. The MGM National Harbor, located along the banks of the Potomac River, will open today at 11 p.m., ready for consumers to enjoy the many entertainment options that are on offer at the $1.4 billion casino resort.

The parking garage of the casino resort will open at 10:30 pm tonight to begin allowing patrons to prepare for the 11:00 p.m. opening. The casino will run 24 hours a day with an age limit of 21 and older to enter. The gaming floor is quite large with 3,300 slot machines, 124 table games, and 39 poker tables. Guests who wish to stay the night at the venue can enjoy a guest room at the 24 story luxury hotel. Additional entertainment and amenities at the casino resort include a day spa, restaurants, conservatory, permanent art collection and more.

For those visiting MGM National Harbor today, be prepared for heavy traffic. Anticipation is high for the venue so it would not be surprising to see the roadways busy as players head to the grand opening. The resort offers around 5,000 parking spaces on site with free self-parking during the opening period. A paid parking system will be installed in the future. Valet parking will be available at the hotel drop-off area as well as the main entrance of the casino.

In case you missed it, following is a reproduction of an article we ran last week.

Additional reporting by Adam Morgan

Maryland’s MGM National Harbor opens December 8

In Maryland, the MGM National Harbor is scheduled to open on Thursday, December 8, with the $1.3 billion development from MGM Resorts International set to offer an around-the-clock array of 3,600 slots and 150 gaming tables spread across a 135,000 sq ft casino floor.

The sixth casino for the small eastern state and located on 23 acres of land less than one mile from the border with Washington, DC, the MGM National Harbor is expected to attract up to 35,000 visitors a day beginning from 11pm local time Thursday night.

“This is really going to change the game in this area from an experience standpoint,” read a statement from Bill Boasberg, general manager for the MGM National Harbor. “We operate some of the most high-luxury resorts in the world between Bellagio and Aria and Mandalay Bay and the Mirage and this rivals them in every aspect.”

Las Vegas-based MGM Resorts International stated that the MGM National Harbor will additionally feature a cornucopia of non-gaming amenities including nearly 50,000 sq ft of conference facilities with seating for up to 4,000 people encompassing seven meeting rooms named after some of its most prestigious properties in the MGM Grand, Bellagio, Aria, Mirage, Beau Rivage and Mandalay Bay.

The MGM National Harbor will also come complete with a selection of eating establishments counting the seafood-focused Fish by renowned restaurateur Jose Andres alongside an outlet of Marcus from Ethiopia-born and Sweden-raised chef Marcus Samuelsson. Fans of the Top Chef television program from the Bravo network will be able to visit the Maryland casino from Thursday night to begin enjoying fare at the Voltaggio Brothers Steak House from Bryan and Michael Voltaggio while the pan-Asia Ginger restaurant is set to offer an authentic range of Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean dishes.

As if all of these weren’t enough, guests will be able to relax with beer and food in the Tap sports bar surrounded by memorabilia from local teams including the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins and Washington Nationals.

Those in need of a lie down after all of their fun can avail themselves of one of the MGM National Harbor’s 234 hotel rooms or 74 luxury suites including some with views of the Potomac River. MGM Resorts International previously explained that the smallest suites in the 4.5-star hotel are 588 sq ft while the largest chalk up at 3,210 sq ft.

Those visiting on opening night will moreover be able to witness the switching on of the venue’s 26-foot chocolate fountain as well as the unveiling of artwork from renowned names such as Margaret Boozer, Bob Dylan, Ronald Beverly and Liao Yibai.

“We are excited to welcome our first guests to the resort on December 8 and want to ensure everyone has a smooth and fun experience,” read the statement from Boasberg. “We encourage guests to plan their transportation method and route ahead of time and be aware that the parking garage won’t open until 10:30pm this evening.”