Greenbrier News
Posted: 7/2/2010 12:00:00 AM
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Casino Club's Red Carpet Event Brings Hollywood Glamour to The Greenbrier
Kicking off a month of dramatic firsts, The Greenbrier today will celebrate the grand opening of its Casino Club with a red carpet event, featuring internationally-known celebrities and sports figures. Prior to the Casino Club’s ribbon cutting, guests at the black tie event will be treated to an exquisite dinner and an intimate Lionel Richie concert. The opening of the 100,000 sq. ft Casino Club at the historic Greenbrier is marks the beginning of the month of milestones which will culminate July 26 with the inaugural Greenbrier Classic, a PGA TOUR, FedEx Cup tournament.
“Today, the history and grand tradition of The Greenbrier join with the excitement of world class gaming in one of the country’s most magnificent settings,” said Jim Justice, owner and chairman of The Greenbrier. “Judging from the response among long-time guests and celebrities about being a part of the opening, the addition of the Casino Club will guarantee that The Greenbrier remains America’s Resort for another two centuries.”
Hollywood celebrities and sport stars, some returning to the resort and others visiting for the first time, will add to the glamour of the evening. The list of celebrities includes:
• Jennifer Garner
• Ben Affleck
• Jessica Simpson
• Lionel Richie
• Brooke Shields
• Raquel Welch
• Jane Seymour
• Shaquille O’Neal
• Tom Watson, The Greenbrier’s Golf Professional Emeritus
• Jack Nicklaus
• Elliott Gould
• Lee Trevino
• Michael Buffer
• Barbara Eden
• Debbie Reynolds
• Jim Calhoun
• Ann Magnuson
• Christine Ebersole
• Carleton Varney
Many of the notable attendees like golfers Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson have a long history with The Greenbrier because of their professional careers, while others celebrities like Jennifer Garner and Ann Magnuson grew up in West Virginia.The opening of the Casino Club and inaugural Greenbrier Classic are just two of the dramatic changes Jim Justice has brought to the resort since purchasing The Greenbrier in May 2009. Last month marked the debut of year-round, daily nonstop flights to Greenbrier Valley Airport from New York-LaGuardia and Atlanta Hartsfield airports on Delta Air Lines.
“The new flights nicely complement the existing service from Cleveland on Continental Airlines and make it much more convenient for people across the country to visit The Greenbrier,” noted Justice. “With the Casino Club opening and preparations for The Greenbrier Classic being finalized, we knew arranging these flights would add to our appeal as a destination resort.”
The Greenbrier Classic will be the most exciting event on this year's PGA TOUR, featuring some of the world’s greatest golfers and two incredible concerts. Country music icon Reba, the award-winning Rascal Flatts and superstars Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will perform during the event. The concerts and The Greenbrier Classic are open to the public and accessible with a weekly badge. Several badge options are available and may be purchased via Ticketmaster, Live Nation and at www.greenbrierclassic.com. A portion of the proceeds from all ticket sales will benefit local and regional charities.Known as America’s Resort, the luxurious Greenbrier has hosted celebrities, royalty and world leaders for more than two centuries. Begun less than a year ago, the Casino Club was constructed entirely underground to avoid changing The Greenbrier’s historic facade. “People have been coming to White Sulphur Springs for more than 230 years to rest, recharge, and enjoy family vacations. With every possible amenity, including four golf courses, two pools, a spa, horseback riding, several elegant restaurants, and now, the Casino Club, The Greenbrier is positioned to continue welcoming guests for another 230 years,” concluded Justice.
