Economy forces suspension of Mohegan Sun casino expansion

Due to worsening economic conditions, the final phase of Mohegan Sun Casino’s $925 million expansion, which includes a House of Blues music venue, has been suspended for at least a year.

In addition to the music hall, the Mohegan Tribal Council has halted construction of a 39-story hotel, a spa and additional retail and restaurant space at the Uncasville, CT, property. The expansion budget was about $734 million. Completion of these projects was originally projected for 2010.

The House of Blues music hall would be the casino’s fourth live entertainment venue in addition to the Mohegan Sun Arena (9,518 capacity), Cabaret Theatre (350 capacity) and Wolf Den (300 capacity).

Upcoming arena shows include Willie Nelson and Family, with Jakob Dylan and the Gold Mountain Rebels (September 24); Brad Paisley, featuring Jewel and Chuck Wicks (September 26); and New Kids on the Block (September 30). In October, the arena will host Enrique Iglesias and Aventura (October 2); Brooks & Dunn with supporting acts Chris Cagle and James Otto (October 4); Janet Jackson and LL Cool J (October 11); Bill Engvall (October 23); and Paul Anka (October 24).