Entertainment pavilion OK’d

Monday, March 12, 2001 | 11:05 a.m.

GULFPORT, Miss. -- Grand Casino Gulfport's plans to construct a $1 million covered pavilion for events such as concerts and boxing matches has been approved by the Mississippi State Port Authority.

Joe Billhimer, Grand Casino's general manager, said work will begin this week on the 38,000-square-foot pavilion. The structure will be built in front of the casino's parking garage and have room for 2,500 to 3,000 people.

The authority approved the project Thursday.

Grand Casino plans to have the pavilion completed by May 19, in time for country music star Tim McGraw's annual benefit concert for the Brett Favre Forward Foundation.

Grand Casino Gulfport is the second largest casino on the coast in terms of square footage.

The casino has been making an annual $400,000 payment to the port since 1995 for use of the property that will be the site of the pavilion.

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