Encore Boston Harbor preparing for more than 50,000 people at grand opening

The finishing touches are being put on Encore Boston Harbor, just days before the long-awaited grand opening of Everett's $2.6 billion resort casino.The first resort casino in the Greater Boston area is scheduled to open at 10 a.m. Sunday. Crews were still working on landscaping projects and small construction jobs on Broadway.On Wednesday, Encore Boston Harbor President Bob DeSalvio will detail the transportation and safety plan for Sunday's grand opening, along with Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria and Everett Police Chief Steven Mazzie.Casino officials are preparing for thousands of people to flock to the casino."Would I expect there to be 25,000 people here on Sunday? Absolutely," said Warren Richards, the casino's executive director of food and beverage. "Will we be ready for 50,000 people? Absolutely, and we're even preparing for more than that."Local leaders have been promoting alternate transportation to the casino because, with only 3,000 available parking spots, the odds will be against those who are looking to drive.Shuttle buses are already running to and from the Wellington and Malden Center MBTA stations on the Orange Line. Other transportation options include water shuttles and Bluebikes.A three-day VIP preview period began Monday night on the casino floor and in the resort's bars, restaurants and lounges.

The finishing touches are being put on Encore Boston Harbor, just days before the long-awaited grand opening of Everett's $2.6 billion resort casino.

The first resort casino in the Greater Boston area is scheduled to open at 10 a.m. Sunday. Crews were still working on landscaping projects and small construction jobs on Broadway.

On Wednesday, Encore Boston Harbor President Bob DeSalvio will detail the transportation and safety plan for Sunday's grand opening, along with Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria and Everett Police Chief Steven Mazzie.

Casino officials are preparing for thousands of people to flock to the casino.

"Would I expect there to be 25,000 people here on Sunday? Absolutely," said Warren Richards, the casino's executive director of food and beverage. "Will we be ready for 50,000 people? Absolutely, and we're even preparing for more than that."

Local leaders have been promoting alternate transportation to the casino because, with only 3,000 available parking spots, the odds will be against those who are looking to drive.

Shuttle buses are already running to and from the Wellington and Malden Center MBTA stations on the Orange Line. Other transportation options include water shuttles and Bluebikes.

A three-day VIP preview period began Monday night on the casino floor and in the resort's bars, restaurants and lounges.