Anticipation is ripe in the air as patrons await the opening of Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.  Project Sunrise which will unveil a new 300,000 square foot complex which has been kept under lock and key. No reporters with camera crews or photographic equipment have been allowed in and everything is covered in plastic until the opening (and pre-opening). The pre-opening party will benefit the United Way of Wyoming valley and will be followed by the actual opening a couple days later. Whether or not the intense secrecy will work remains to be seen, but it definitely creates curiosity.

The new complex will hold 2,200 slot machines with everything from fan favorites to newly designed games just for the casino. While there will be a high roller section with bets from $5 to $100 there will still be plenty of smaller machines, starting at a mere penny to bet. The current interim casino will also get some remodeling with much of it going to offices.

There are also new restaurants from the casino run 300 seat buffet (a bargain compared to the ones offered in Atlantic City at over $20) to a Hotdog Hall of fame with 300 condiments and even upscale dining choices. There is also a bar that overlooks the casino floor to allow you to keep track of friends while you take in a drink and another that also serves fresh sushi. Another bills itself as Coyote Ugly for hipsters and includes dancing on the bar by workers and a postage stamp sized stage for bands.

The shopping offered is a nice mix of outside vendors from a Brookstone to a Wine and Cheese Shop. The casino is the first in Pennsylvania to utilize outside vendors in its plans. This allows the casino to offer a greater range of shops and restaurants than it could itself, along with offerings people recognize by name or brand. This can easily draw in new players who can spend their winnings at the stores instead of cashing out after a day of gambling. Having a well known vendor eliminates worries about quality.

The casino floor will be non-smoking only while the greater casino will be a 75/25 split with smoking space marked. The casino floor will be 21 years and over while the rest will be all ages appropriate. This allows for a nice mix that can accommodate the entire family without having to go far.