Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) today unveiled previously unseen renderings of Echelon, the multi-property resort destination planned for the Las Vegas Strip. Bill Boyd, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Boyd Gaming and Bob Boughner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming's Echelon Resorts, joined top company executives along with executives from its strategic partners, Morgans Hotel Group, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, AEG Live and General Growth Properties at a groundbreaking ceremony.

"Today's groundbreaking marks an important milestone in one of the most exciting and ambitious developments on the Strip," commented Bill Boyd. "As our anticipation for Echelon continues to grow, we are pleased to share more of our vision, which integrates thoughtful master planning, innovative design and industry leading hotels and partners, which together will elevate the Las Vegas experience."

Bob Boughner added, "We are creating a destination resort that will be seen for miles, and yet, be accessible within feet. With Echelon, we are making the most of our extraordinary and highly visible Las Vegas Strip site by building five hotels with world class amenities, in one dramatic phase."

Scheduled to open in the third quarter 2010, Echelon will span 87 acres, including 22 acres available for future development, to include Hotel Echelon and the Suites at Echelon; Delano and Mondrian Las Vegas, operated by Morgans Hotel Group; and Shangri-La Las Vegas, operated by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. Echelon will also feature an extensive array of dining, nightlife, shopping and entertainment experiences.

Echelon will feature a 4,000-seat production theater and a 1,500-seat performance venue operated by AEG Live; a 300,000-square-foot retail promenade co-owned by Boyd Gaming and General Growth Properties; and more than 750,000 square feet of total meeting and convention space. BLT Architects, an award- winning, multifaceted, full-service design and architectural firm, was selected as Executive Architect for Echelon. Tishman Construction, one of the nation's most experienced builders, will serve as construction manager.