Harrah's Cherokee Casino has a new front door. The rotunda space features eight towering columns lit from inside that give an artistic impression of trees; a 75-foot-tall waterfall surrounding a small stage; and a curving high-definition television screen that's 140 feet long and 6 feet tall. Light, video and accompanying sound can all be programmed to create one-of-a-kind shows. The grand new entrance will stand as the centerpiece of a $650 million expansion that's been in the works for eight years. It has included the addition of 500 rooms in a new hotel tower, a 3,000-seat event center and thousands of square feet of added gaming space. Brooks Robinson, the casino's general manager, said the rotunda space will be a "must-see attraction." That, combined with a total of 150,000 square feet of gaming space, 4,100 slot machines and 40 video table games, means the casino is positioned for growth, Robinson said. The casino is planning on 25 percent growth in visitation once the expansion is complete. Casino officials are also awaiting final approval of live card games. Gov. Bev Perdue signed an agreement with the Eastern Band last year, but state lawmakers must still vote to amend state law to allow the Las Vegas-style card games. The federal government must also agree. The entire expansion project is set to be completed this fall. It all comes on the casino's 15th anniversary, and marks the casino's evolution into a gaming, spa and resort destination aiming for new, upscale customers. The casino is owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and draws about 3.5 million visitors a year.

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