Just before 10 a.m. on May 17, hundreds of Columbus area residents gathered at 5944 Howard Blvd. to celebrate the beginning of a new era for both Caesars Entertainment and Columbus itself with the opening of Harrah’s Columbus, NE Casino and Racing.

Todd Connelly, regional president of Caesars Entertainment started off the opening by expressing his gratitude for and pride in the way the community and Caesars have been able to work to make the casino happen.

“Caesars is very proud and thankful of the facility and relationships we built here in Columbus. We’ve had tremendous support and are thrilled to open the first permanent casino in Nebraska today,” Connelly said.