BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -
The landscape in east Biloxi is undergoing a massive makeover with the new Margaritaville casino coming out of the ground on the 5th Street on Back Bay.
"It's a game changer in South Mississippi," said Margaritaville President and CEO Tom Brosig, as he gave us a tour of the construction site.
Brosig has been working on a casino project at this site for several years. Once he partnered with superstar Jimmy Buffett and acquired the rights to the name Margaritaville, he knew he was going to create a casino that would capitalize on an acclaimed brand that everyone is familiar with.
"Last year, 55 million Americans bought the brand. That's 17 percent of the population. Now we have Jimmy Buffett's anchor right here in his hometown. He loves this place. He gets all excited when he comes here."
Construction is moving along at a dizzying pace. The company owns 26 acres in east Biloxi. The total casino footprint is 82,000 square feet with 26,000 square feet of gaming space.
The nearly $60 million project will feature a restaurant, buffet, and events center. There's even a giant volcano inside, along with a marina and other outdoor amenities.
Brosig can't wait to capture the essence of Buffett's song Margaritaville when they cut the ribbon and open a new chapter in the coast's casino story.
"With music going and people having fun in the sand and docks and on boats, then I'll feel fulfilled. I love to see people having fun," Brosig said.
The casino is scheduled to open by Memorial Day 2012.
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