THE CORDISH COMPANIES AND LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL PHILADELPHIA CELEBRATE 5th ANNIVERSARY OF CASINO RESORT AS A MAJOR DRIVER OF TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
PHILADELPHIA (February 18, 2026) – The Cordish Companies and Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia today celebrated the 5th Anniversary of the world-class casino resort in the South Philadelphia Stadium District, marking a significant milestone as the region’s premier gaming and entertainment destination and major economic driver for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Since opening on February 11, 2021, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has established itself as a transformative force for the region as the only gaming and entertainment venue in the country where guests can enjoy world-class gaming, dining, and hospitality just steps away from four major professional sports teams. The $700+ million property continues to strengthen its role in the region’s growth, welcoming more than 13 million visitors and generating over $72 million in gaming and wage taxes for the City of Philadelphia, more than $390 million in gaming and wage taxes for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, along with $15 million in nonprofit contributions.
“Nearly two decades ago when we made our initial investment in the South Philadelphia Stadium District with the development of Stateside Live!, we did so with the belief that the District could become one of the premier entertainment destinations in the country,” said Zed Smith, Chief Operating Officer of The Cordish Companies. “That vision expanded with the opening of Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia in 2021, creating a fully integrated sports, dining, gaming, hospitality, and entertainment destination in the heart of the Stadium District. We’re proud of the impact Live! Casino & Hotel has had on the City of Philadelphia and region the past five years and look forward to many more to come.”
The Cordish Companies’ COO Zed Smith and Cordish Gaming Group COO Joe Billhimer today joined Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (Second District) to provide insight on the facility’s strong track record of success over the past five years, marked by the creation of thousands of new jobs, expanding business opportunities, and the positive impact Live! has made on charitable organizations throughout the region. They also announced new capital investments and commitments to community-focused initiatives during a special anniversary celebration which was attended by hundreds of local business leaders, community members, nonprofit partners, and original Team Members.
“Five years ago, the Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia project represented a bold vision for South Philadelphia and for our entire city,” Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (Second District) said. “Today, that vision has become a proven economic engine — one that continues to deliver meaningful benefits for the people of Philadelphia. I have always emphasized that economic development must be inclusive, create pathways to family-sustaining jobs, and invest in neighborhoods. Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia has contributed to advancing those objectives. Congratulations to Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia on five years of impact and achievement.”
Council President Johnson also presented a Citation to Live! on behalf of the Council of the City of Philadelphia in appreciation for its ongoing contributions.
The Philly-themed festivities were hosted by Eagles legend Ron “Jaws” Jaworski and featured special guest appearances by the Phillie Phanatic, the Phandemic Krew, the Phambassadors, and reigning Mummers champions, the Quaker City String Band. The program recreated signature moments from the 2021 Grand Opening ceremony, complete with ringing the Liberty Bell to reaffirm Live!’s commitment to Philadelphia as the City prepares for the Semiquincentennial and an array of global sporting events in 2026.
“As we celebrate our fifth year as the region’s leading gaming and entertainment destination, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built and the meaningful impact we’ve made on our team members, guests, and community partners,” said Joe Billhimer, COO, Cordish Gaming Group. “We set out to become an integral part of Philadelphia’s community fabric, and we’ve worked diligently to honor that promise. We remain committed to strengthening our partnerships and continually enhancing the guest experience and workplace for our team members.”
Continued Investments in the Property…
As part of Live! Philadelphia’s year-long anniversary celebration, some fan-favorite dining venues will undergo a facelift in the coming months.
Look for The Prime Rib, named “Best of Philly” by Philadelphia Magazine, to transform the intimate Library Bar into the central gathering space of the Live! Hotel Lobby when the wall that currently separates the restaurant lounge from the hotel front desk and elevators is removed. It’s a distinctive new twist that will marry the best in high-end cuisine with a stylized bar and lounge scene.
The 10th Street Market will also upgrade its lineup of beloved Philly favorites, as Termini Brothers prepares to take over the large central kiosk near Geno’s Steaks. With the bakery moving into the heart of the market, Lorenzo and Sons Pizza will expand into the newly vacated space, effectively doubling its footprint and also its menu.
More details on all the renovations and upgraded menus will be coming soon.
…and the Community
Live! Casino & Hotel opened with a commitment not only to deliver a world‑class gaming, dining, and entertainment experience, but also to serve as an active and supportive community partner. Five years later, Live! Philadelphia has built strong relationships with dozens of regional tourism, business, and nonprofit organizations, contributing nearly $15 million in cash donations, in‑kind support, and grants to their missions.
Also announced during its 5th Anniversary celebration was a $375,000 contribution to the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC) to support the major renovation of its new headquarters and program offices in South Philadelphia.
Continued Billhimer, “One of our greatest strengths is that our focus always extends beyond the property to consider what also benefits the community. As a family-owned business, we think of our team members and the community as part of our extended family. We continue to invest because we’re here to stay.”
Other organizations Live! Philadelphia has supported over the years include, but are not limited to, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philabundance, Sharing Excess, the USO of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, American Cancer Society, Friends of FDR Park, American Red Cross, Battleship New Jersey, Alzheimer’s Association, Philly PAWS, and many more. The property has been honored with the Philadelphia Business Journal's Partners in Philanthropy Award three times for its outstanding community commitment and impact.
FIVE Years of LIVE!
Over the past five years, the property has continued to evolve, delivering unparalleled opportunities and experiences to guests and Team Members.
Live! Casino & Hotel is one of the largest employers in Philadelphia with more than 1,200 Team Members. Approximately 56% are Philadelphia residents; 73% are Pennsylvania residents; and 300 are Day One employees. Live! has paid over $201 million in wages and provided quality employment opportunities with competitive benefits to residents throughout the Philadelphia region. Over the years, more than 700 Team Members have advanced into higher‑level roles since joining the Live! team.
Live! has further strengthened the local economy by investing more than $173.8 million in support of local, minority, veteran and women-owned businesses.
Guests have also hit the jackpot – literally! Live! Philadelphia has welcomed more than 13+ million guests since opening and is currently ranked as the Best Overall Gaming Resort in Pennsylvania by Casino Player Magazine. One lucky jackpot winner took home a whopping $936,996 payday after hitting a Royal Flush playing Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em on May 28, 2023 – the largest single jackpot payout to date. Total overall guest payouts to date have topped $7 billion.
And those winners are hungry – indulging in 616,500 wings at Sports & Social; 138,900 sushi rolls and 265,150 dumplings at Luk Fu; 30,081 Prime Rib entrees at The Prime Rib; 598,395 slices of pizza at Lorenzo and Sons; and 75,645 famous Termini Bros. cannoli. They also quenched their thirst with 3.9 million Live!-branded water bottles, or their beer of choice, Corona, with more than 1.5 million bottles served.
The Live! Event Center – one of the most sought-after meeting and event spaces in the Northeast – along with the property’s additional venues - has hosted more than 2,000 gatherings, including meetings, conferences, private parties, weddings, and other entertainment events.
“As Philadelphia gears up for a momentous 2026 with the Semiquincentennial and major global sporting events, Live! is ready to be at the heart of the action," said Jake Joyce, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. "We're excited to welcome visitors from around the world and show them the very best of what Philadelphia has to offer. This is going to be an incredible year for our city, and we're proud to be part of it."
From the roar of the game-day crowds to its role as a major driver of tourism and economic development, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has spent the last five years showcasing the heart and hustle that defines the City of Brotherly Love.
For more information about 5th Anniversary events and promotions, visit livech.com/Philadelphia.
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About Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
Voted Best Overall Gaming Resort and Best Overall in Dining and Entertainment in PA by Casino Player Magazine, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia is a one-stop destination in South Philly’s Stadium District to enjoy the fast-paced action of four major professional sports teams, memorable entertainment, premier dining, upscale accommodations, and world-class gaming. Conveniently located off I-95 and I-76, the facility features more than 200 luxury hotel rooms, a FanDuel® Sportsbook and Lounge, approximately 2,000 slots and more than 130 table games, including a dedicated poker room. Award-winning dining and entertainment options include The Prime Rib®, named Best South Philly Steakhouse by Philadelphia Magazine; Luk Fu, serving authentic Asian cuisine; Sports & Social Philly, a one-of-a-kind sports restaurant, gaming venue and social lounge; the 10th Street Market, a unique food hall featuring a taste of classic Philly favorites like Geno’s Steaks, Lorenzo and Sons Pizza, and Termini Bros. Bakery; plus Luckie’s Liquor. A spirited nightlife scene at Center Bar and R Bar rounds out the Live! experience. The Live! Event Center offers more than 15,500 square feet of customizable meeting and event space with ample, secure parking. Guests can also PlayLive.com, a real money wagering online casino in the Commonwealth of PA. Live! Casino & Hotel is owned and managed by Stadium Casino RE, LLC, an affiliate of The Cordish Companies, the premier developer of Live! dining, entertainment, gaming, hotel and sports-anchored destinations in the country. For reservations, call 1-833-472-5483 or visit LiveCH.com/Philadelphia. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram @livecasinophlAbout The Cordish Companies
The Cordish Companies’ origins date back to 1910 and encompass four generations of privately-held, family ownership. During the past ten decades, The Cordish Companies has grown into a global leader in Commercial Real Estate; Entertainment Districts; Sports-Anchored Developments; Gaming; Hotels; Residential Properties; Restaurants; International Development; Coworking Spaces; and Private Equity. One of the largest and most respected developers in the world, The Cordish Companies has been awarded an unprecedented seven Urban Land Institute Awards for Excellence for public-private developments that are of unique significance to the cities in which they are located. The Cordish Companies has developed and operates highly acclaimed dining, entertainment and hospitality destinations throughout the United States, many falling under The Cordish Companies’ Live! Brand, highly regarded as one of the premier entertainment brands in the country. In gaming, The Cordish Companies has developed among the most successful casino hotel resorts in the world including the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa and Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland. Welcoming over 55 million visitors per year, these developments are among the highest profile dining, entertainment, gaming, hotel and sports-anchored destinations in the country. Over the generations, The Cordish Companies has remained true to the family’s core values of quality, entrepreneurial spirit, long-term personal relationships, and integrity. As a testimony to the long-term vision of its family leadership, The Cordish Companies still owns and manages virtually every business it has created. For more information visit www.cordish.com or follow us on Twitter.
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