Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority Announces Cost Reductions That Do Not Include Layoffs

Jan 11, 2009 | Breaking News

The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (“MTGA” or the “Authority”) announced today a series of cost reduction initiatives to be implemented at its flagship property, Mohegan Sun, in Uncasville, Connecticut, as a result of the continuing economic slowdown.
In a continued effort to maintain its record of no employee layoffs, something that has been accomplished due to long-standing financial success since opening in 1996, the MTGA Management Board is implementing alternative cost saving initiatives that will better align the Authority’s cost structure with the current economic environment while ensuring minimal impact on the guest experience.
Effective February 1, 2009, all Mohegan Sun employees, including senior management, and its Connecticut affiliates, will have salary rollbacks of 10 percent for Vice Presidents and above, 7.5 percent for middle management and 4 percent for all line and hourly employees. Other actions include suspension of all annual and merit-based compensation increases as well as employer-matched 401K contributions.
The Authority is also implementing a number of other initiatives to reduce operating expenses, including marketing efficiencies, reducing hours of operations in some outlets, and working with all business partners and service providers to increase cost-effectiveness.
“These are difficult times for the entire Mohegan family,” said Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum. “Sacrifices are being made by the employees of Mohegan Sun, our Tribal Government, and by the members of our Tribe. I am confident we will weather this as we always have, together, and be stronger for it.”
“Due to unprecedented market conditions, the Authority has been forced to make a number of difficult, but necessary, decisions to reduce our operating costs,” said Mitchell Etess, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mohegan Sun. “However, we are determined to remain the leader in our industry without compromising our core values and clear competitive advantages.”
Mr. Etess added, “In addition to respect for our employees, we also have a responsibility to our banking partners, bondholders and stakeholders who continually support our vision. We are confident that we are taking the appropriate measures to improve our financial results and grow our existing market share advantage over competitors.” 

About the Authority
The Authority is an instrumentality of the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut (the “Tribe”), a federally recognized Indian tribe with an approximately 507-acre reservation situated in southeastern Connecticut, adjacent to Uncasville, Connecticut. The Authority has been granted the exclusive power to conduct and regulate gaming activities on the existing reservation of the Tribe, including the operation of Mohegan Sun, a gaming and entertainment complex that is situated on a 185-acre site on the Tribe’s reservation. Through its subsidiary, Downs Racing, L.P., the Authority also owns and operates Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, a gaming and entertainment facility offering slot machines and harness racing in Plains Township, Pennsylvania and several off-track wagering facilities located elsewhere in Pennsylvania.
The Tribe’s gaming operation at Mohegan Sun is one of only two legally authorized gaming operations in New England offering traditional slot machines and table games. Mohegan Sun currently operates in an approximately 3.1 million square-foot facility, which includes the Casino of the Earth, Casino of the Sky, Casino of the Wind, The Shops at Mohegan Sun, a 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena, a 350-seat Cabaret Theatre, 100,000 square feet of meeting and convention space and the approximately 1,200-room luxury Sky Hotel Tower. The Casino of the Wind opened on August 29, 2008, with approximately 65,000 square feet of additional gaming space and new dining and retail amenities. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs opened Project Sunrise on July 17, 2008, a gaming and entertainment facility adjacent to the Phase I gaming facility. The combined facility now includes approximately 2,500 slot machines, several dining options, including a 300-seat buffet and a quick-serve dining area, six retail outlets, three bars/lounges, additional parking and bus amenities. More information about the Authority and its properties can be obtained by visiting www.mtga.com.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Some information included in this press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements include information relating to business development activities, as well as capital spending, financing sources and the effects of regulation (including gaming and tax regulation) and increased competition. These statements can sometimes be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” and variations of such words and similar expressions. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Authority. Additional information concerning potential factors that could affect the Authority’s financial results is included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, as well as in its other reports and filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this release. The Authority does not undertake any obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. The Authority cannot assure you that projected results or events will be achieved or will occur.

An Iron Chef Added to Mohegan Sun’s Spectacular Culinary Roster

Dec 17, 2008 | Breaking News

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Bobby Flay to open two restaurants at Mohegan Sun in summer 2009

UNCASVILLE, CT (December 17, 2008) – Mohegan Sun announces the newest culinary star to call Mohegan Sun home: critically-acclaimed chef, author and television personality Bobby Flay. The Food Network talent will open two new restaurants in partnership with Mohegan Sun: Bobby’s Burger Palace in Casino of the Earth and Bar Americain in Casino of the Sky. Both restaurants are scheduled to open in summer 2009.

“It is a very exciting time for Mohegan Sun as we partner with Bobby Flay,” said Mitchell Etess, President and Chief Executive Officer for Mohegan Sun. “Flay brings a wealth of knowledge in the industry, not only as a chef, but as an author and television phenom. It is names like Flay, Todd English, Jasper White, Michael Jordan and Jimmy Buffett that continue to define Mohegan Sun as a leader in the hospitality world.”

“I’m thrilled to be opening two of my restaurants at Mohegan Sun,” said Flay.  “It’s my first foray into New England and I’m looking forward to adding to the excitement that makes this property a world-class destination.”

Bobby’s Burger Palace (BBP) offers an array of burgers inspired by Flay’s extensive travels throughout America.  Located in Casino of the Earth, this new burger restaurant will be approximately 4,100 square feet and will pay tribute to America’s regional flavors and traditions. Flay opened his first BBP in Long Island, New York in July 2008 and most recently a second opened in New Jersey earlier this month.

In Casino of the Sky, Flay will open his second Bar Americain just outside of the hotel lobby in the space currently occupied by Fidelia’s. The restaurant blends the intimacy of a brasserie, injected with authentic American flavors and styles.

Flay’s current Bar Americain in New York, which opened in March of 2005, rejuvenates old classics and celebrates the abundance of America’s diverse and delicious heritage. The New York mainstay has received rave reviews including two stars from The New York Times.

Flay, who began his career at 17 and graduated from the highly-praised French Culinary Institute in New York, is known throughout the industry for his southwestern fare. He opened his first restaurant Mesa Grill in 1991 and has gone on to open six more venues throughout the United States in addition to the Bahamas.

But Flay is not just a chef; he is also an acclaimed cookbook author, with eight books under his belt – the most recent of which was released in April of 2008 entitled Bobby Flay’s Grill It! (Clarkson Potter).

In addition to being a chef, restaurateur and author, Flay is also a well-known television personality. Having started his career with the Food Network back in 1994, Flay’s shows on the network include: the Emmy-winning Boy Meets Grill, and Throwdown! With Bobby Flay. He was crowned Iron Chef America in 2003 and continues to compete in Iron Chef  competitions.

Additionally, Flay is the food correspondent for the CBS Early Show and CBS Sunday Morning, where he regularly informs a national audience about seasonal dishes and ingredients.   For more information on Flay, visit www.bobbyflay.com.

About Mohegan Sun
Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribe, is one of the largest, most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and meeting destinations in the United States.  Situated on 240 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country.  More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or by visiting www.mohegansun.com.