Chicago Classics Hit Big At Parx Casino’s Xcite Center Grand Opening

Last night at Parx Casino in Bensalem, PA, classic rock icons Chicago cut the ribbon on the Xcite Center – the casino’s brand new entertainment venue. After the ceremony, the band took the stage to perform some classic cuts from their storied catalog. While Chicago’s 50-year career is cemented in rock history, Parx began their journey last night to create their own live music legacy with the Xcite Center.

With just over five decades of music behind them, picking a setlist is becoming a bit of a challenge for the group. In about an hour and a half underneath the venue’s gorgeous lighting rig, Chicago churned out hits like “Make Me Smile,” “To Be Free,” “Colour My World,” Hard Habit To Break,” “Saturday In The Park,” and the seminal “You’re The Inspiration” among others. They included some deep cuts as well, such as “Call On Me” and “(I’ve Been Searching) For So Long.”

A few gems were missing, however, like “Baby What A Big Surprise.” But I suppose you can’t play every hit. Plus, it encourages fans to come back next time around.

Chicago were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year. Throughout their career, the band has sold over 100 million albums worldwide with 18 platinum outings to their name. They had a streak of five #1 albums on the Billboard Top 200 and they have scored 20 Top 10 singles.

The Xcite Center is part of a $50 million expansion at Parx Casino. After Chicago kicked things off last night, entertainment juggernauts like Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts, Bill Engvall, Third Eye Blind, Wayne Brady, and many others will grace the Xcite stage in 2018.

The space is 30,000 square feet large and features over 1,500 seats, state-of-the-art sound and technology, 26 automated crystal chandeliers, gold fabric on the walls, three 16×9′ IMAG giant video screens, and a 65×30′ stage. Every seat in the house is designed to provide an excellent view – even the very last row.