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Sands Bethworks marks construction milestone

BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- With invited guests and the City of Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan looking on, Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS - News) Executive Vice President Bradley Stone and Sands Bethworks(TM) President Robert DeSalvio today presided over a "Standing of the Steel" Ceremony. The ceremony, which typically commemorates the first pieces of steel erected on a building site, took on a new meaning as Sands Bethworks welcomed the first steel to enter this historic site in more than 10 years.

"Bethlehem Steel is such an important part of this community that we knew the irony of bringing steel to Bethlehem Steel would not go unnoticed. Symbolically, this occasion is important to both the community and to us so we thought it was only fitting to celebrate this moment," said Mr. Stone. "As we continue to forge a new legacy for this historic site, the erection of the first pieces of steel is an important milestone in the building of Sands Bethworks and shows how much closer we are to returning this landscape to its past glory."

Keeping within Sands Bethworks project timeline, steel transportation began last week as a convoy of trucks started delivering some of the 14,500 tons of steel needed to build the casino and resort. All the steel used for this project will come from domestic companies with a good portion coming from Nucor, the same place where the steel from the Bethlehem Steel site was shipped for recycling. Sands Bethworks recycled over 22,500 tons of steel.

"Not surprising, with the varied shopping, dining and entertainment options that will be available to both guests and the local community, the excitement surrounding Sands Bethworks is palpable," stated Mr. DeSalvio. "The combination of the modern amenities encased within the architecturally stunning buildings will be a sight to see and we are confident that our unique design will live up to everyone's expectations."

In its first phase, the 126-acre development will feature a 300-room hotel, 200,000 square feet of retail space, 3,000 slot machines, a multi-purpose arena and a variety of dining and entertainment options. Sands Bethworks will also be home to the National Museum of Industrial History, SteelStax -- an arts and cultural center, and the broadcast home of the local PBS affiliate.

Sands Bethworks is a model for 'Smart Growth' redevelopment of a major brownfield site and will incorporate many of the remaining historical elements of the famed plant. For example, the massive ore crane will be part of the casino design and will serve as a reminder of the past when visitors drive under it as they approach the brick, steel and glass porte cochere. Design elements such as exposed steel, back-lit perforated metal screens and a soaring, transparent glass atrium will be featured within a number of existing buildings.

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