Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs Announces Names of Restaurants and Retail Stores for...

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Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:08pm EDT

Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs Announces Names of Restaurants and Retail Stores
for Project Sunrise

    PLAINS, Pa., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs today
announced the names of an attractive and diverse series of dining and retail
shopping operations that will play a pivotal role in the creation of the
leading gaming and entertainment experience in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
    Construction continues to progress on Project Sunrise, the $208 million
permanent casino project designed to deliver an exceptional gaming and
entertainment experience to residents of Northeast Pennsylvania and tourists
traveling through the region. The approximately 300,000 square foot complex is
slated for grand opening this summer.
    An array of dining options designed to satisfy every appetite is headlined
by Ruth's Chris Steak House. The restaurant that showed the world just how
great a steak can be, Ruth's Chris is known worldwide for searing the finest
cuts of USDA Prime beef at 1800 degrees, generating a seductive sizzle that's
often heard moments before the arrival of the plate. While regarded by many as
the best steakhouse in the country, Ruth's Chris is also known for expertly
executed seafood, New Orleans-inspired appetizers, unforgettable desserts and
an award winning wine list. This is a steakhouse to which others aspire and
this arrival has been the buzz of the region in recent weeks.
    Ruth's Chris Steak House will be owned and operated by local award-winning
restaurateur John C. Metz and family. The Metz family operates several other
food establishments and local hotels in the area.
    While every restaurant seeks to be unique, the 260 seat Tuscan Villa
themed Rustic Kitchen Bistro & Bar actually earns the distinction. This new
Bistro & Bar with an Italian Mediterranean influenced menu will feature a
Bar/Cafe, Main Dining room, and Wine Cellar for private events. The authentic
interior displays handcrafted relics & artifacts representing a Tuscan Villa
and allows guests the option of an intimate dining experience in one of the
main dining room's private booths, or a quick pizza from its wood burning oven
in the Bar/Cafe. Rustic Kitchen has received numerous honors, including
recognition as Boston Magazines "Best of Boston" and designation of the "Award
of Excellence" by Wine Spectator the last 3 years.
    It's most innovative component is a state of the art, broadcast ready,
television studio kitchen with live cooking shows that is the focal point
inside of the restaurant.
    Daily cooking shows called "In the Kitchen" will occur for patrons to dine
and learn in a highly entertaining yet intimate atmosphere. Mountain Top, PA
native and cooking show celebrity chef, Kate Gabriele will be the Headline
Host. "In the Kitchen" will also host events that spotlight local restaurants,
area chefs, industry suppliers, & farmers.
    Bar Louie, a casually cool neighborhood restaurant and bar wildly popular
for its signature sandwiches, wine bar and handcrafted martinis, also features
a large selection of uniquely prepared appetizers, deluxe burgers and hearty
entrees at prices that won't break the bank. Bar Louie has brought its dynamic
environment to various major cities throughout the country including Chicago,
Denver, Milwaukee, Tampa and Washington D.C. Warm surroundings with an urban
feel is further brought to life with live entertainment at least three nights
a week, dancing, nightlife photography, signature hand-laid tile artwork,
hardwood floors, and exposed brick walls. Service is speedy with a smile. Open
for lunch, dinner, late night dining or after a winning gaming experience.
    Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs pays tribute to the cultural heritage of the
Mohegan Tribe in the 300 seat Timbers Buffet. Tribal history and culture will
be on display via the unique design and finishes, as will delicious food from
diverse styles in a nearly endless series of stations. Timbers Buffet is the
place to satisfy the hungriest of guests for lunch and dinner and this
restaurant is also the perfect address for your next business meeting, private
party or special event as two private rooms with seating for more than 50
people each are available for rent.
    Pearl is Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs sushi bar creation. A hip, intimate
setting with mesmerizing fresh sushi, Pearl will provide an atmosphere that
could only be expected in the finest and most contemporary settings in New
York City or Los Angeles.
    Guests seeking immediate food options have upscale alternatives just steps
away from the casino floor in the Sky Food Court. There will be many high-end
quick serve options offered by the best nationally recognized chains including
among many other items, burgers, soups, salads, sandwiches, gourmet hot dogs,
as well as the finest coffees and super-premium Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
    Highlighting the food court will be Johnny Rockets, which is the epitome
of fun. Johnny Rockets is an international retro diner-style restaurant chain
that provides the food and friendliness reminiscent of feel-good Americana.
Johnny Rockets serves more than 13 million hamburgers to its guests annually.
The Johnny Rockets restaurant will be owned and operated by Ed Hughes, Michael
Hughes and Lloyd Sugarman. The Hughes brothers have owned and operated Johnny
Rockets restaurants in Northeastern Pennsylvania since 2003.
    For more than 30 years, Marshall Rousso has ensured that women, who want
to look dazzling, are beautifully dressed. From glamorous evening wear to hip
casual clothing, Marshall Rousso offers remarkable styles to women who
appreciate being noticed. Marshall Rousso offers a wide assortment of stylish
accessories, including an extensive collection of handbags, and an impressive
selection of footwear from designers such as Cole Haan, Beverly Feldman, Mia,
Betsey Johnson, and Kathy Van Zeeland. Along with the extensive merchandise
selection, the first class finishes coupled with a friendly customer service
makes shopping at Marshall Rousso a true pleasure.
    Misura, a men's fine apparel boutique, specializes in exceptional
tailoring for men with impeccable taste. Misura offers a remarkable selection
of clothing, shoes and accessories from some of the most desired designers in
men's fashion, including Ralph Lauren, Tommy Bahama, Calvin Klein, LaCoste,
Cole Haan, and many more.
    Both Marshall Rousso and Misura are well-known names in Las Vegas and
Atlantic City where their clothing and accessories are showcased in such
establishments as the MGM Grand, Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, Harrah's Las
Vegas, the Borgata and The Pier Shops at Caesar.
    Crossing Vineyards and Winery, located on a two-hundred year old Bucks
County estate, less than a mile from the place where George Washington crossed
the Delaware in 1776, has won numerous medals and accolades from the wine
industry. Crossing Vineyards will showcase its wine at Mohegan Sun at Pocono
Downs in the Crossing Vineyards Wine and Cheese Shop. Crossing Vineyards
crafts four distinct tiers of wine produced from the finest Pennsylvania
grapes processed within hours of harvesting to ensure quality. The Vineyard
provides its wine to eating establishments with some of the most
discriminating tastes, such as the Ritz Carlton Grill Room. To complement
Crossing Vineyards premium wines, West Pittston's igourmet will offer imported
specialty gourmet food products along with their complete line of exquisite
gift baskets in the store. Forbes named igourmet.com the best gourmet food
website from 2003 to 2007.
    In addition to these fine establishments, Project Sunrise will provide a
variety of other retail options including a fine jewelry boutique, a popular
well-known electronic store and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Down's logo store.
    For additional vendor information, visit:

    Ruth's Chris Steakhouse -- www.ruthschris.com
    Rustic Kitchen Bistro & Bar -- www.rustickitchen.biz
    Bar Louie -- www.barlouieamerica.com
    Johnny Rockets -- www.johnnyrockets.com
    Marshall Rousso & Misura -- www.marshallretailgroup.com
    Crossing Vineyards & Winery -- www.crossingvineyards.com
    igourmet -- www.igourmet.com


    About the Authority
    The Authority is an instrumentality of the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of
Connecticut, a federally recognized Indian tribe with an approximately 507-
acre reservation situated in southeastern Connecticut, adjacent to Uncasville,
Connecticut. The Authority has been granted the exclusive power to conduct and
regulate gaming activities on the existing reservation of the Tribe, including
the operation of Mohegan Sun, a gaming and entertainment complex that is
situated on a 185-acre site on the Tribe's reservation and, through its
subsidiary, Downs Racing, L.P., owns and operates Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs,
a gaming and entertainment facility offering slot machines and harness racing
in Plains Township, Pennsylvania and several off-track wagering facilities
located elsewhere in Pennsylvania. The Tribe's gaming operation at Mohegan Sun
is one of only two legally authorized gaming operations in New England
offering traditional slot machines and table games. Mohegan Sun currently
operates in an approximately 3.0 million square foot facility, which includes
the Casino of the Earth, Casino of the Sky, The Shops at Mohegan Sun, a
10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena, a 350-seat Cabaret Theatre, 100,000 square feet
of meeting and convention space and the approximately 1,200-room luxury Sky
Hotel Tower. Mohegan Sun is currently in the midst of Project Horizon - an
expansion project that is to include a new hotel, additional retail and
restaurant space, and a new 64,000-square-foot "Casino of the Wind." In
addition, Project Horizon expanded Mohegan Sun's Asian gaming experience in
the Casino of the Earth with the August 2007 opening of Sunrise Square.
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is also currently in the midst of Project Sunrise,
which is being developed on land adjacent to the existing gaming facility.
When completed, the combined facility is anticipated to include approximately
2,500 slot machines, three fine dining restaurants, a 300-seat buffet, a
quick-serve dining area, 7,000 square feet of retail shopping, two nightlife
venues and additional parking and bus amenities. More information about the
Authority and its properties can be obtained by visiting http://www.mtga.com.
    Some information included in this press release contains forward-looking
statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933
and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements
include information relating to business development activities, as well as
capital spending and financing sources. These statements can sometimes be
identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may," "will,"
"anticipate," "estimate," "expect," or "intend" and similar expressions. Such
forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that
could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly,
such results may differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements made by or on behalf of the Authority. These risks and
uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to increased
competition in the gaming industry, including the legalization or expansion of
gaming in New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania (including the
December 2006 approval of two Category Two slot machine facilities, one of
which opened in October 2007, in the immediate market of Mohegan Sun at Pocono
Downs), the financial performance of Mohegan Sun, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs
and the off-track wagering facilities, dependence on existing management,
potential adverse changes in local, regional, national or global economic
climates, the Authority's leverage and ability to meet its debt service
obligations, changes in federal or state tax laws or the administration of
such laws, changes in gaming laws or regulations (including the limitation,
denial or suspension of licenses required under gaming laws and regulations),
and the continued availability of financing. Additional information concerning
potential factors that could affect the Authority's financial results is
included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September
30, 2007, as well as its other reports and filings with the SEC. The forward-
looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date
of this release. The Authority does not undertake any obligation to update or
supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or
circumstances. The Authority cannot assure you that projected results or
events will be achieved or will occur.
    For Additional Media Information:
Jim Wise  570-831-2110 (o)
SOURCE  Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Jim Wise of Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, +1-570-831-2110
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