Biloxi Casino Group Misses the Puck in Pittsburgh

Isle of Capri's bid to receive a license to build a $300 million dollar casino gambling facility in Pittsburgh was denied, leading Pittsburgh Penguins owner Mario Lemieux to announce that his NHL hockey team is no longer for sale. Isle of Capri began its bid for a gambling site in Pittsburgh this time last year.

Missouri-based Isle of Capri Casinos presently owns and operates gambling barges and land-based casinos at 13 resort destinations in Mississippi, Louisiana, Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, Nevada, and Florida. The company moved its corporate headquarters to Creve Coeur, Missouri from Biloxi this past August.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have fought hard to leave the 45-year-old Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, seeking a better venue with more attractions for the fans.

Lemieux has said the Penguins are contemplating a move away from Steel Country. Lemieux, the former high-scoring center who bought the team to save it from bankruptcy, said the decision to take the Penguins off the market came after an agreement to sell the team to Canadian businessman James Balsilie fell through.

According to Mr. Lemieux, "The Penguins are off the open market. We will begin to explore other options in cities outside of Pennsylvania. After 7 long years of trying to work out a new arena deal primarily in Pittsburgh, we need to consider the long-term implications of the team and start discussing possible relocation into other cities."

Lemieux said the NHL franchise would also "start talks with local politicians about a potential Pittsburgh arena plan again."

December 22, 2006
Posted By Susan Torres
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