MARKSVILLE, LA – Paragon Casino Resort will celebrate three decades of entertainment and success with its team members, tribal citizens and casino visitors on Monday, June 3rd.
Thirty years ago, in 1994, the doors first opened as Grand Casino Avoyelles to entertain residents of Avoyelles Parish. Since the beginning, Paragon strived to provide an economic boost for Marksville and Avoyelles Parish throughout its tenure – hiring thousands of residents, contributing $32 million to the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury and securing more than $5 million in donations to the local community.
“Paragon Casino Resort has and always will be the entertainment heart of Avoyelles Parish,” said Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr., Paragon’s GM. “Our greatest pride is to bring joy to the community and all of its visitors – for the 30 years past and the 30 years to come.”
Paragon Casino Resort has seen a lot of change over the past 30 years. Most recently, the resort has completed an extensive renovation of 531 rooms, upscale suites, hotel corridors and its lobby. Upgraded rooms for guests feature new paint, lighting and carpeting along with fresh furniture, fixtures and window treatments. The sprawling casino floor currently features over 30 tables including a high limit room, live poker, sports betting and more than 1,000 high-quality, modern slot machines.
The identifying icon of Paragon Casino Resort has been its bald eagle statue, which adorns the main entrance of the casino. The bald eagle is significant to the Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, which owns and operates Paragon Casino Resort. In honoring the 30th anniversary, Paragon has upgraded the statue. The new and improved eagle statue is 13 ft. tall and is mounted on top of a 10 ft. tall structure, which is comprised of 23,000 pounds of boulders. The elaborate sculpture features live fire and waterfalls.
“Paragon Casino Resort has always been one of our greatest accomplishments,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “In its 30 years of operation, Paragon has proven itself to be a beacon of happiness and philanthropy for guests and residents of Central Louisiana. We look forward to another outstanding 30 years.”
To commemorate the milestone, Paragon Casino Resort will host a 30th anniversary celebration on Monday, June 3, 2024, inviting the public, along with local and state dignitaries for the community-wide celebration. The event will be held from 10:00am until 12:00pm in the Mari Showroom and will feature speakers detailing the history of Paragon Casino Resort and what’s next for the property.