L'Auberge Casino and Resort opens in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - The big day was set, then Isaac came . Saturday L'Auberge Casino and Resort finally opened to the public.

"They have been waiting for this project for a long time. We couldn't control Wednesday. It was a little disappointing, but today made up for it. It was a great, great, great afternoon," said Mickey Parenton, casino vice president and general manager

L'Auberge customers made up for that lost time. No one wasted not one second before hitting the slots and tables and taking in all the sights.

"The architecture...I mean everything is really nice. I hope that everybody gets a chance to see it," said Portia Palmer.

"We came today so we could catch the bus to the stadium, and not have to get in the traffic. But we also wanted to see the casino," said Adele Langlois.

Besides being the shiny new building on the river, company executives say the casino will be a huge boost to the city's economy.

"When you look at the indirect jobs of servicing this facility, you could add another 20 percent to that. So, you could easily look at that this has created anywhere between 12-hundred to 15-hundred jobs here in the area," said Anthony Sanfilippo, president and CEO of Pinnacle Entertainment.

"It will definitely help with the economy," said Palmer. "I think if nothing else it should put at least a little money in the pockets of Baton Rouge."

A business some customers believe will be a great asset to the Red Stick with a big town feel that will attract more visitors.

"The atmosphere is very Las Vegas. It's very, very nice...very tasteful," said Mackey Langlois, a customer.