Latest news with #Mohegan
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New York City Faith Leaders Endorse Freedom Plaza as a "Symbol of Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow"
In a powerful show of support, 22 clergy back the Soloviev Group and Mohegan's proposed development, citing affordable housing, job creation, and long-term community investment. NEW YORK, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A coalition of 22 faith leaders from across New York City has issued a public letter in support of the proposed Freedom Plaza development, describing the project as "an investment in the future of our community." The open letter, which appeared in the New York Amsterdam News, reflects a shared belief that Freedom Plaza will advance economic opportunity and enhance community well-being. Signatories of the letter include Rev. Walter P. Alston Jr., Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Lisa Jenkins Brown, St. Matthews Baptist Church; Rev. Earl B. Chester, Greater New Beginning Baptist Church; Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook, Former US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom; Rev. James Duckett, Fort Mott Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Roger L. Hambrick, Green Pasture Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Frankco J. Harris, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church of Hollis; Rev. Adrian Hines, Senior Pastor, Temple of New Beginnings Baptist Church; Rev. Joseph J. Jones, Mt. Hermon Baptist Church; Rev. Carl Leach, Senior Pastor, Ms. Zion Baptist Church; Rev. Robert Linden, Bethelite Institutional Baptist Church; Rev. John Marshall, Senior Pastor, New Life Baptist Church, Brooklyn; Rev. Lindon McKenzie, Senior Pastor, Grace Baptist Church of Chris; Rev. Dr. Lemuel Mobley, Living Stone Baptist Church; Rev. C. Ramónt Morris, Bethel Baptist Church; Rev. Wesley Payne Jr., Senior Pastor, Old Mt. Zion Baptist Church; Rev. Akin O. Royall, President, New York Progressive Baptist State Convention, Inc.; Rev. Brian D. Scott, Union Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Concord Baptist Church of Christ; Rev. Dr. Randy Ware, Greater Mount Pleasant Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams, Jr., Convent Avenue Baptist Church; and Rev. Kevin Williams, Senior Pastor, Peoples Baptist Church. "One of our most important responsibilities as faith leaders is to look after our congregations and community," the letter states. "This transformative project will help revitalize our community, address critical needs, and create a brighter future for all residents and small businesses in the area." The letter highlights two urgent priorities facing New York City: the need for sustained economic revitalization and the persistent shortage of affordable housing. The faith leaders applaud Freedom Plaza's ability to address both through the projected creation of 17,000 high-quality full- and part-time union construction jobs and permanent positions and the inclusion of more than 500 affordable housing units. "Safe, stable, and affordable housing is a fundamental right, and too many families in our community struggle to find housing they can afford," the letter continues. "This development will provide much-needed relief and offer families the stability they need to thrive." "We are honored to have the support of so many of New York City's faith leaders, whose dedication to community well-being reflects the core values of Freedom Plaza," said Michael Hershman, CEO, Soloviev Group. "Freedom Plaza remains committed to delivering critical affordable housing, creating thousands of union jobs, and investing in the long-term prosperity of neighborhoods. Together with our partners and neighbors, we are building a future that uplifts and strengthens our city." "The Spirit of Aquai — rooted in welcoming, mutual respect, cooperation, and building strong relationships — guides everything we do at Mohegan. Freedom Plaza embodies these values and represents a shared vision for inclusive growth," said Ray Pineault, CEO, Mohegan. "We're honored to partner with Soloviev Group and New York City's faith leaders to help bring that vision to life." The letter also commends the proposed Community Reinvestment Fund which is projected to invest over $250 million over the next 20-plus years directly into local initiatives that will support education, job training, small business development, and community health. The coalition of faith leaders joins the strong base of support for Freedom Plaza from across the city. A recent poll conducted by Tulchin Research found that nearly two-thirds of Manhattan voters are in favor of the project, with especially high approval in Midtown East, where 57 percent of voters support the proposal. Freedom Plaza has also earned endorsements from 26 leading labor unions and workforce development organizations, including the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, SEIU 32BJ, and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council. About Freedom PlazaDeveloped by Soloviev Group and designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, Freedom Plaza spans 6.3-acres from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue. The mixed-use development, which will be built only with union labor, will deliver 1,049 new residential units, including 513 units of housing that working people can afford and feature approximately 5 acres of public open space designed by OJB Landscape Architecture, along with locally oriented retail and a wide range of shopping and dining options. Additional amenities will include a daycare center, food market, a museum dedicated to democracy and community center. Two world-class hotels from global resort leaders Mohegan and the owners of the Banyan Tree hotels and resorts will feature retail, dining, and entertainment, including the option of modern gaming for those 21-and-over. For more information, visit About Soloviev GroupUnwavering in its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, the Soloviev Group brings four generations of successful development across community-focused verticals, including hospitality, residential and commercial development, agriculture, energy, logistics and philanthropy. The firm's most recent project, Freedom Plaza, will encompass more than six-acres on Manhattan's East Side from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue and is committed to helping New York City thrive. The mixed-use development will feature 4.7 acres of publicly accessible green space; two world-class hotels by global resort leaders Mohegan and the owners of the Banyan Tree hotels and resorts, featuring the option of modern gaming for those 21-and-over; locally oriented retail and an array of shopping and dining options; a museum dedicated to democracy and community center; and two residential towers with housing that working people can afford. For more information, visit About MoheganMohegan is the owner, developer, and manager of premier entertainment resorts in the United States and Canada. Mohegan's U.S. operations include resorts in Connecticut and Pennsylvania and Canadian operations are based in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The brand's iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, provides cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan's loyal fan base and meets the digital needs of North American customers. Mohegan is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information on Mohegan and its properties, please visit Project rendering is available for download here. Courtesy of Freedom coalition of faith leaders letter in support of Freedom Plaza can be downloaded here. View original content: SOURCE The Soloviev Group
Cision Canada
04-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Mohegan Resorts Across North America Turn Up the Heat with Hot Summer Fun 2025
Seasonal celebration brings concerts, cash giveaways, and signature experiences to four prominent entertainment destinations UNCASVILLE, Conn., June 4, 2025 /CNW/ -- Mohegan's annual Hot Summer Fun campaign runs from June 23–Aug. 31, 2025, offering a season-long celebration of live entertainment, culinary debuts, gaming promotions and guest experiences across four resort properties: Mohegan Sun (CT), Mohegan Pennsylvania (PA), Fallsview Casino Resort (ON) and Casino Niagara (ON). From high-energy concerts and casino activations to exclusive giveaways and dining experiences, Hot Summer Fun showcases the breadth of Mohegan's offerings, whether guests are visiting in person or engaging online. Mohegan Sun | Uncasville, Conn. With outdoor concerts, dynamic gaming promotions and new restaurant openings, Mohegan Sun serves as a standout summer destination in New England. From stepping into the whirlwind of the Cash Cube to catching a concert under the stars, guests can explore a vibrant mix of nightlife, culinary discovery and immersive casino action – all anchored by the flagship property's signature energy and variety. Notably, the Sun Patio will feature a diverse weekend lineup of live outdoor entertainment. Fridays are dedicated to high-energy tribute bands, while Saturday evenings will spotlight intimate performances by national and regional headliners, including Lupe Fiasco (July 19), The Roots (August 2) and Hanson (August 9). Guests can enjoy themed cocktails, food trucks and the laid-back vibe of Mohegan Sun's open-air venue. The resort's culinary landscape continues to evolve with a trio of distinctive new dining experiences: Beauty & Essex, a globally inspired concept from Tao Group Hospitality; The Farm Italy, a modern Italian kitchen that has transformed the space formerly home to the award-winning Ballo Italian Restaurant; and Sift Bake Shop & A.T.Y Bar & Bonbons, the latest from James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Adam Young, blending artisanal pastries with inventive desserts and cocktails. A full calendar of weekday promotions enhances the seasonal experience: More Money Mondays (June 23–Aug. 25): Momentum members can win $1,000 in cash every hour from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Catchin' Rays Tuesdays (June 24–Aug. 26): Guests can enter the Cash Cube for a chance to win up to $10,000 Wild Winning Wednesdays (June 25–Aug. 27): Players who earn two Status Points can enter the Summer Slot Tournament to compete for a share of $10,000 Thrills & Chills Thursdays (June 26–Aug. 28): Triple Status Points make for even more action on the gaming floor Fun in the Sun Fridays (June 27–Aug. 29): A perfect lead-in to Sun Patio nights, with giveaways and Momentum rewards kicking off before the concerts begin Additional promotions include: For more details, visit Mohegan Pennsylvania | Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Set in the scenic hills of PA, Mohegan Pennsylvania offers a nostalgic, high-energy summer schedule complete with outdoor concerts, themed giveaways and thrilling promotions. Party on the Patio continues each Thursday with top tribute bands, food trucks and drinks at the resort's open-air concert venue. A full slate of weekly promotions brings added excitement all season long: Summer of Hummer Giveaway (June 23–Aug. 30): Earn entries all season for a chance to win a brand-new Hummer during the grand finale on August 30 Forever Young Mondays (June 23–Aug. 25): Guests 50+ can earn a Status Point and receive a $10 food credit T-Shirt Tuesdays (June 24–Aug. 26): Earn 2 Status Points and collect a new commemorative shirt each week, plus enter a bonus drawing for $250 Free Slot Play $100K Boardwalk Bonanza Wednesdays (June 25–Aug. 27): Three guests every 20 minutes win prizes ranging from $100 Free Slot Play to $10,000 cash by picking beach balls on a live gameboard Rockin' Thursdays (June 26–Aug. 28): Guests who earned a t-shirt on Tuesday get $20 Free Slot Play, and the Party on the Patio live concert series kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Millionaire Madness Fridays (June 27–Aug. 29): Spin the $1 Million Prize Wheel for a chance at cash or Free Slot Play; one new winner every 30 minutes from 6–10 p.m. Play & Eat Sundays: Earn 4 Status Points to receive a $15 dining voucher valid through the following Saturday Additional Promotions and Entertainment Include: Breakers: DJ Tommy Thursdays; live bands Fridays & Saturdays, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The Hive Taphouse: Live bands Thursdays & Saturdays, 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Open Mic Fridays Embers Terrace: Live acoustic music Fridays & Saturdays, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunstakes Saturday (Aug. 16): Live harness racing, over $2 million in purses, and family-friendly fun with food trucks Discover the full schedule of Hot Summer Fun events and experiences at Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara | Niagara Falls, Ontario Set against the iconic backdrop of Niagara Falls, these two casino properties in Canada offer a scenic and vibrant summer getaway. Backyard BBQ makes Thursdays a must at Fallsview Casino Resort, with all-ages entertainment, delicious food and scenic views of the Falls. Additionally, the Avalon Theatre and OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino bring a high-profile lineup of live performances all summer long. Guests can take advantage of weekly promotions and giveaways throughout the season: Instant Win Mondays (June 3–Aug. 26): Swipe your Momentum card for a chance to win up to $250 in Momentum Dollars Play n Go Slot Tournaments (Tuesdays at Casino Niagara): Compete in complimentary tournaments to win up to $500 Free Play Fallsview Frenzy Tournaments (Thursdays at Fallsview): Free Slot Play prizes for the top 3 scorers every week Backyard BBQs at Fallsview Casino (Thursdays, May 15–Aug. 28): All-ages event with live entertainment and food every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. overlooking Niagara Falls Drive Into Summer Lexus Giveaway (July 1–Aug. 24): Momentum members can win a luxury Lexus vehicle in the summer's biggest sweepstakes Hot Summer Fun Multiplier Weekends (July 5–Aug. 31): Surprise Status Point multipliers every Saturday and Sunday Headliner Concerts at the OLG Stage at Fallsview: Charlotte Cardin (July 12) Jerry Seinfeld (July 25) Jake Owen & Uncle Kracker (July 26) The Killers (Aug. 3) Train (Aug. 7) Jordan Davis (Aug. 10) Jimmy O. Yang (Aug. 28) Additional acts include Babyface, Kool & The Gang, and more To explore Hot Summer Fun at Fallsview and Casino Niagara, visit or Mohegan Sun Online Casino Hot Summer Fun extends beyond resort walls. Players using the Mohegan Sun Online Casino platform can enter the $30,000 Jackpot Celebration Sweepstakes by hitting a Daily Jackpot during the promotional window. To join in, download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play, or visit From regional concerts and culinary debuts to immersive casino activations and online jackpots, Hot Summer Fun 2025 underscores Mohegan's position as a leader in multi-property entertainment. With unique offerings at every destination and Momentum-driven rewards all season long, guests have more ways than ever to celebrate summer – on property or on the go. About Mohegan Mohegan is the owner, developer, and manager of premier entertainment resorts in the United States and Canada. Mohegan's U.S. operations include resorts in Connecticut and Pennsylvania and Canadian operations are based in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The brand's iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, provides cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan's loyal fan base and meets the digital needs of North American customers. Mohegan is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information on Mohegan and its properties, please visit
Black America Web
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
The CT Barber Expo Lived Up To 'Mecca Of Men's Grooming' Hype
Source: aqua / CassiusLife The CT Barber Expo touts itself as the 'mecca of men's grooming showcases' and they certainly made a solid case for that level of confidence. Running from Saturday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19, 2025 at the Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, the event included a Barber Grammys the first night, followed by a couple of days of educational seminars in the mornings and the expo proper during the rest of the day. Source: aqua / CassiusLife The showfloor in the Mohegan Sun's Earth Ballroom was filled with brands familiar to those in the barber and grooming industry (or those who keep themselves looking sharp); like Wahl, Andis, Cocco and BaBylissPRO. As attendees walked the showfloor, they were met with vendors hawking their wares (from 'units' to clippers to barber capes to streetwear) as well as plenty of demonstrations from barbers sharing techniques and insights to their success. The latest tools of the trade (clippers, sheers, chairs, etc.) were available for sale while the latest essential for grooming (weak beards were few and far between) also caught plenty of floor space. As both professionals, amateurs and the curious took in the atmosphere, the vibes were all positive and celebratory. After about an hour, it also meant people loaded down with bags full of the aforementioned tools snapped up from vendors offering them up at sale prices. To the rear was the stage, where the spirited Barber Battle competition went down and we caught a glimpse of expo regular Fat Joe holding court on Sunday. Even Noreaga was in town and got cleaned up. Founded by Jay Raposo aka 'Majors,' the CT Barber Expo reportedly kicked off in 2011 in a nightclub and has only been growing since, developing into a can't miss trade show for the barber industry. It's worth a visit to learn, politic and take in the good vibes—just like a cherished barbershop, but on a much bigger scale. The CT Barber Expo Lived Up To 'Mecca Of Men's Grooming' Hype was originally published on 1. Source:CassiusLife CT Barber Expo Source:CassiusLife CT Barber Expo ct barber expo Source:CassiusLife CT Barber Expo ct barber expo Source:CassiusLife CT Barber Expo ct barber expo Source:CassiusLife CT Barber Expo ct barber expo Source:CassiusLife CT Barber Expo ct barber expo Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WNBA's Connecticut Sun Hire Allen & Company to Explore Sale
The owners of the WNBA's Connecticut Sun hired investment bank Allen & Company to explore the sale of the franchise, according to multiple people familiar with the details. Mohegan Sun, a subsidiary of Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, has owned the club since 2003. The Sun could raise capital through an LP stake sale, but the expectation is a control sale and likely franchise relocation. There are multiple potential built-in buyers via the 10-plus groups who submitted bids during the current WNBA expansion process, which is also being run by Allen. Advertisement More from Allen & Company declined to comment, while the Sun did not immediately respond to request for comment. The move arrives as WNBA franchise values have exploded. The Golden State Warriors and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment chairman Larry Tanenbaum were each awarded an expansion franchise for $50 million in 2023 and 2024. The latest round of W expansion is expected to fetch more than $200 million per franchise. The last WNBA control sale was in 2021 when the Atlanta Dream were purchased for between $7 million and $10 million by a group led by real estate investor Larry Gottesdiener. Advertisement As team values soared, the cost of running a WNBA franchise has also jumped. The Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm and Las Vegas Aces opened state-of-the-art training facilities. The Los Angeles Sparks, New York Liberty, Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever announced plans to build their own facilities. The recent expansion teams will all have their own practice facilities, and the expectation is that every WNBA team will need a dedicated practice facility within the next three years. Speculation has swirled around whether Mohegan Sun wanted to keep up with the current WNBA arms race, with gaming, concerts and hospitality the primary businesses at the casino resort. The Sun play in the WNBA's smallest media market and host home games in 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena. An LP stake sale could help fund the construction of a new practice facility, a tactic the Storm used for their $64 million buildign. Connecticut's current practice set-up has drawn criticism from Sun players. The Mohegan tribe has priority at the venue, and community events have left Sun with half a court to practice in cases. In 2003, the Native American tribe became the first non-NBA owner in WNBA history when the former Orlando Miracle relocated to the then-new $40 million Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The tribe paid $10 million as an expansion fee. Last year, the Sun were valued at $80 million, per Sportico's WNBA valuations, which was tied for ninth in the WNBA. Franchise values have jumped considerably since then. Advertisement Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority recently faced a potential debt crunch, but last month, it completed a comprehensive refinancing of nearly all its restricted debt. It pushed back $1.5 billion in debt due in 2026 and 2027 to 2030 and 2031. The Sun reached the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs last season, which marked the sixth straight season they made it at least that far, but their entire starting lineup exited via trade or free agency ahead of the 2025 season. Last year, the WNBA had explosive growth for revenue, attendance, sponsorships and viewership. But it now faces a challenge after the players union decided to opt out of the current CBA back in October. The WNBA regular season tips off Friday. Advertisement With assistance from Scott Soshnick Best of Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 bold predictions for the 2025 WNBA season: Seismic shifts, 3-point firepower and more dunks
The 2025 WNBA season officially tips off on Friday, and every team will be in action this weekend to start what should be an important season in the league's history. The pressure is on for the league to follow up on what was a historic 2024. We'll have plenty of predictions this week on who will win it all, and who will take home individual trophies, but we have a few other predictions — some wild, some not — of what will happen this WNBA season. At least one team will change ownership While owning a WNBA team is about supporting the growth of women's sports, it's also an investment. Most people want to make money off of their investments, and most WNBA owners got into the game for a fairly low fee. Considering the popularity of the game, growing attendance numbers and television ratings, this would be a smart time for an owner who doesn't want to deal with the demands of running a professional sports team to get out. Advertisement For example, Michael Alter, the owner of the Chicago Sky, bought the team for a reported $10 million. A valuation of the Sky in 2023 put them at $85 million. The Connecticut Sun were purchased in 2007 for a similar amount by the Mohegan tribe. Now the team, which has arguably the worst facilities in the league, is reportedly looking for bidders . The growth of the WNBA means that players expect better facilities and resources, and the smart move for some owners is to turn over the keys. The all-time WNBA attendance record will be broken In 2024, the Washington Mystics and Indiana Fever broke the WNBA regular season attendance record in a September game at Capital One Arena. However, the all-time record is still held by the Detroit Shock/Tulsa Shock/Dallas Wings for a 2003 Finals game between the Shock and the Los Angeles Sparks at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The Deanna Nolan/Swin Cash-led team won the title in three games, and 22,076 fans were there to see the Shock win. Advertisement Currently, there are no WNBA arenas with a capacity higher than 20,000, which is the capacity of the Target Center in Minnesota. But teams have moved games to bigger arenas when the demand is there, and that trend will continue this season. There aren't any NBA arenas that have the capacity to break the record, but perhaps we'll see the Fever move a game or two to Lucas Oil Field, which has hosted the NCAA tournament and can hold 70,000 for basketball. Sonia Citron will break Sabrina Ionescu's 3-point contest record Sabrina Ionescu's performance at the 2023 All-Star Game 3-point contest was jaw-droppingly good, as she hit 35 of 37 shots. But every record that is made can be broken, and Washington Mystics rookie Sonia Citron, who hit 37.2% of her 3-pointers in her final college season, has the kind of shot that could make huge waves in the 3-point contest at the All-Star Game in Indiana this summer. She'll likely be going up against Caitlin Clark, who said she would participate this year, but Citron showed time and time again at Notre Dame that she can handle pressure, and she will likely have plenty of fans in the stands from her time in South Bend. Get after it, Sonia. Dunks will become a more common occurrence Though slam dunks are seen as a flashy way to score two points, they are also a way for an offensive player to ensure the defensive player can't block their shot. As the men's game evolved — and rules banning dunks were rescinded — dunks became a more common tool for offensive players. Advertisement WNBA defenses have evolved, and players like A'ja Wilson, Ezi Magbegor and Brittney Griner find ways to swat the ball left and right. Throw in that there are more players who can dunk, like Griner and Magbegor's new teammate Dominique Malonga? It's a recipe for more dunks, and an easy answer to silly people who think the WNBA needs to lower the rims. The WNBA and WNBPA will avoid a work stoppage OK, maybe this is more of a hope than a prediction. The players opted out of the collective bargaining agreement the day after the Liberty won the WNBA title in 2024, and they have several issues that need to be settled. With the league signing new television rights deals, the players want their fair share of the new revenue. They are also concerned about retired players' pensions, facilities and better deals for foreign players. The word the players' union keeps using is 'transformational.' They expect a CBA that will reward them for the time and effort they have put into building the league into its current state. While the current CBA expires at the end of the 2025 season, the true deadline is the start of the 2026 season. Deadlines always inspire action, so it's possible they could avoid a stoppage. But the players have indicated they're preparing themselves for the possibility.
