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Did the real Caesar live here? No, but he probably wishes he had given the $435 million investment into Caesars New Orleans Hotel & Casino.

The transformation is complete of Harrah’s into Caesars New Orleans. The downtown casino on Canal Street that has been in business for 25 years is fully renovated, just in time for this weekend’s Taylor Swift concerts, the Sugar Bowl, and the Super Bowl.

On Oct. 22, Caesars Entertainment celebrated in true New Orleans fashion with a second line band that processed from outside to inside the casino. The celebration was attended by New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell and Caesars Entertainment leadership, including CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad.

“We’re incredibly proud to officially introduce Caesars to New Orleans,” said Carano. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it.”

The ceremony kicked off with a Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court and a fireworks show to officially welcome Caesars to New Orleans. Following the ceremony, the second-line band led revelers into the resort’s center bar, Octavia, where partygoers enjoyed a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans” featuring bites from all six restaurants at the property. Entertainers performed throughout the room, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps and showgirls, treating guests to an authentic Big Easy experience.

“This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars,” said Mowad. “Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.”

Caesars New Orleans boasts nearly 800 hotel rooms between its two hotel towers – the new Caesars Tower and the original hotel tower on Poydras Street. The casino has more than 150,000 square feet of upgraded gaming and dining space, featuring more than 1,300 slot machines, 120 table games, a 20-table World Series of Poker Room®, three outdoor gaming courtyards, and a 5,700-square-foot state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook.

Additionally, the property offers culinary experiences, including Louisiana’s first Nobu, Emeril’s Brasserie by Emeril Lagasse, a celebrity-driven food hall featuring options by Bobby Flay, Buddy Valastro, and Nina Compton, and the new bar dubbed Octavia.

Caesars New Orleans originally opened as Harrah’s New Orleans Casino in October 1999. In 2006, the original 450-room hotel opened on Poydras Street adjacent to the casino. Following a $435 million renovation, Caesars New Orleans now boasts a new 340-room hotel tower, a two-floor, 54-room Nobu Hotel, and a 13,500 square-foot bar and lounge named Octavia, connecting the hotel tower and the casino. Caesars New Orleans is part of Caesars Entertainment, Inc.