All the New Year's Eve bashes in Philadelphia that you need to know about, from parties on the top of skyscrapers to soirees on a boat. Three Parties @ Rivers Casino. New Year’s Eve 2020. Ring in 2020 at New Year on the Pier at Cherry Street Pier! Celebrate with friends and family at the award-winning, art-inspired space featuring an open-air garden with spectacular views of the Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront. The Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront will kick off at 6 p.m. With a colorful display shot from a barge on the river. There are plenty of places to see the fireworks along. PHILADELPHIA — Sept. 8, 2020 — Down, set, bet! Rivers Casino Philadelphia added eight self-service betting kiosks just in time for the start of this year’s NFL season.

• Rivers Casino New Years Eve 2020 Philadelphia Events
• Rivers Casino New Years Eve 2020 Philadelphia Mississippi

Rivers Casino Philadelphia will close on Friday, Nov. 20, and not reopen until at least Jan. 1, 2021, as a result of a series of changes to the current restrictions by the City of Philadelphia to slow the surge of coronavirus cases.

Also, fans may no longer attend games at Lincoln Financial Field. Under the “Safer at Home” order, gatherings cannot exceed 2,000 people in any outdoor space.

“We may be tired of COVID, but COVID’s not tired of us,” said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Farley.

New restrictions for Philadelphia

In a press release that detailed the new “Safer at Home” restrictions,casinos fall under the category of “business and activities that are not allowed.”

Currently, Rivers Casino Philadelphia is the only casino within Philadelphia city limits. Live! Casino Philadelphia is scheduled to open in early 2021. The South Philadelphia Race and Sportsbook, according to the orders, will also have to temporarily close.

During a Monday afternoon press conference, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney pointed out that the average number of reported COVID-19 positive cases has jumped at least 700% in less than two months. The average number of new cases reported per day last week was higher than the number of reported cases during the worst week in April.

“Strains on our hospitals are already showing,” said Kenney, who added that hospitalizations have jumped 600% in the last seven weeks.

“We do not take any of this lightly. Believe me, more than anything in the world, I wish none of this was necessary. But there is no doubt these changes are necessary. We need to act now to reduce the rate of increase and flatten the curve once again.”

The City of Philadelphia reported 2,564 new coronavirus cases and eight new deaths on Monday.

Rivers Philadelphia road to reopening

Rivers Casino Philadelphia voluntarily closed in March when the coronavirus pandemic hit Pennsylvania. It remained shuttered for four months and reopened on July 17. That marked the longest coronavirus-caused closure of any brick-and-mortar casino in PA.

Rivers Casino New Years Eve 2020 Philadelphia Events

Upon reopening, all casinos in PA followed health and safety guidelines from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

In addition, Rivers Casino Philadelphia conducted temperature checks, operated at 25% capacity (50% was the limit at other casinos) and upgraded its HVAC system to include airPHX, a patented technology that continuously disinfects indoor air and eliminates coronavirus on surfaces. The casino also has AtmosAir, an indoor air quality purification system that has proven to neutralize coronavirus by more than 99.9%.

Will other casinos in PA close again too?

On Friday, Play Pennsylvaniaasked the PA Department of Health if the rising numbers meant a return to the color-coded phases and possible temporary closures for casinos in Pennsylvania.

A representative responded:

“There is no plan at this time to return to the red, yellow, green mitigation steps and stay-at-home order that occurred in the spring.”

During Monday’s press conference, Farley urged surrounding counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to join Philadelphia in enacting similar measures.

The closest casinos to Philadelphia (with Rivers closed) include:

• Harrah’s Philadelphia (Delaware County)
• Valley Forge Casino (Montgomery County)
• Parx Casino (Bucks County)

Atlantic City is about an hour drive from Philadelphia.

Fans barred from the Linc again

In mid-October, the Philadelphia Eagles got the green light to allow fans back at Lincoln Financial Field. The stadium occupancy was 7,500 people, which included players, coaches, team and stadium personnel. It allowed for 5,500 to 6,000 fans to be in attendance.

Mayor Kenney said the new orders will be in effect until “at least January 1.” The Eagles’ last home game is Jan. 3 against the Washington Football Team.

Note: This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information is released.

Lead image credit: AP Photo/Rich Schultz

RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT RIVERS CASINO PHILADELPHIA
Celebrate the end of the decade at Philly’s casino with fireworks, festivities and more

PHILADELPHIA — Dec. 9, 2019 — Rivers Casino Philadelphia welcomes a new year for the first time and is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront. On Tuesday, Dec. 31, as the fireworks brighten up the night, celebrate the end of the year with not one, but two incredible casino parties, both open to the public. Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House is also offering a savory New Year’s Eve Dinner for Two special to close out the decade.

“Rivers is the place to be in Philadelphia this New Year’s Eve,” said Rob Long, general manager of Rivers Casino Philadelphia. “We’re excited to offer guests many ways to celebrate the new year with friends and family — it will be an unforgettable night.”

Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront
Ring in 2020 with one of the city’s long-standing traditions — Rivers Casino Philadelphia is honored to present two New Year’s Eve fireworks displays, at 6 p.m. and midnight. The incredible shows that light up the Waterfront will last approximately 15 minutes each in length, and can be viewed along the Delaware River, with outstanding views from the casino and the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest.

A Night in Wonderland
Enjoy a magical evening at “A Night in Wonderland,” the casino’s Alice in Wonderland-themed party, from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. Rivers is offering a pre-party in the casino’s all-new restaurant, Jack’s Bar + Grill, that will feature an open bar and a DJ. Following that will be an ultimate celebration in The Event Center with a premium open bar, fantastic food stations, a DJ and much more. Party tickets are $175 and available for purchase at RiversCasinoPhiladelphia.com.

New Year’s Eve 2020 Dance Party
Dance the night away at the casino’s New Year’s Eve 2020 Dance Party from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. Guests can enjoy an open bar sponsored by Bacardi and Grey Goose and live music from DJ Naj. Party tickets are $75, with access to the patio to view the New Year’s Eve fireworks on the waterfront. Please visit RiversCasinoPhiladelphia.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House
The casino’s high-end steakhouse, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House, is serving up a New Year’s Eve Dinner for Two special. The dinner will include three delicious courses, a champagne toast and dessert, all for $175. Tax and gratuity are not included.

For details about all New Year’s Eve events, please visit RiversCasinoPhiladelphia.com.

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Rivers Casino New Years Eve 2020 Philadelphia Mississippi

ABOUT RIVERS CASINO PHILADELPHIA
Located along the Delaware Riverfront in Philadelphia, Rivers Casino Philadelphia, formerly SugarHouse Casino, features 1,755 slots, 106 table games, 65 hybrid gaming seats, a 28-table poker room and a designated sportsbook area for live sports betting. The casino offers seven distinctive restaurants and bars — among them are Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House, Mian and Geno’s Steaks — riverfront views, live performances in The Event Center, free parking, and promotions and giveaways daily. Rivers, which opened as SugarHouse Casino in 2010, employs approximately 1,600 Team Members and has been voted a great place to work in Philadelphia. Rivers Casino Philadelphia is owned and operated by Rush Street Gaming and its affiliates. For more information, visit RiversCasino.com/Philadelphia.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jeff Shurilla
For Rivers Casino Philadelphia
267-932-8760, ext. 304
jeff@hornercom.com