Nov. 18, 2002: Representatives of Capital Seven LLC, a Nevada-based company owned by entrepreneur Shawn Scott, present proposal for $30 million racino project for Bass Park during Bangor City Council committee meeting.

March 23, 2003: City schedules local June referendum seeking permission to have slots at Bass Park.

June 10, 2003: Bangor voters approve slots. Focus shifts to November statewide vote, second of two approvals needed.

Sept. 26, 2003: Capital Seven announces option on backup site in Brewer to hedge bet in case talks with Bangor fail.

Oct. 15, 2003: Bangor, Capital Seven sign letter of intent setting Oct. 31 deadline for development deal.

Oct. 29, 2003: Iowa-based Kehl Management and Penn National Gaming Inc. court Bangor racino project. A third company, Delaware North, also jumps into fray.

Oct. 31, 2003: Bangor inks development pact with Capital Seven.

Nov. 4, 2003: Maine voters approve slots for Bangor Raceway, Scarborough Downs. Scarborough fails to get local approval in Scarborough, Saco and Westbrook by Dec. 31 deadline.

Dec. 1, 2003: City hears pitches from Capital Seven competitors.

December 2003: Maine Harness Racing Commission starts licensing hearings for Shawn Scott.

Jan. 8, 2004: Penn National confirms purchase agreement with Capital Seven, takes on Bangor racino project.

Jan. 9, 2004: Racing commission issues Penn conditional racing license.

Jan. 21, 2004: Maine’s Passamaquoddy, Penobscot tribes make bid for slots license. Tribes later told their offer came too late.

May 5, 2004: Despite his opposition to gambling expansion, Gov. John Baldacci signs state’s slots law, launches Governor’s Gambling Control Advisory Council, which later becomes Maine Gambling Control Board.

Nov. 4, 2004: Penn National obtains conditional gaming license.

Dec. 29, 2004: Penn National obtains permanent racing license.

April 14, 2005: Penn National announces acquisition of Miller’s Restaurant on Main Street, Bangor, as site for temporary facility for 475 slot machines.

Aug. 18, 2005: Penn National obtains permanent gaming license.

Oct. 31, 2005: Bangor councilors OK letter of agreement allowing Penn National to move on plans to buy the Holiday Inn-Civic Center and Main Street Inn for $71 million permanent gaming complex.

Nov. 4, 2005: Hollywood Slots at Bangor opens doors to public; $1.8 million wagered on first day of operation, $12.5 million over 11 days.

Nov. 30, 2005: Deadline for development agreement between Bangor and Penn National for Holiday Inn, Main Street Inn sites on parcel referred to as Riverside Block. Negotiations begin in earnest.

May 22, 2006: City council completes $70 million development pact with Penn National.

June 13, 2006: Main Street Inn razed as part of Riverside Block redevelopment.

Nov. 4, 2006: Hollywood Slots marks first anniversary. Bash sets attendance record.

Feb. 8, 2007: Permanent gaming complex price tag jumps from $90 million to more than $131 million because of hike in construction costs.

March 5, 2007: Demolition of Holiday Inn begins.

April 22, 2007: Hollywood Slots kicks off project with utility, earthwork.

May 3, 2007: Racino project jeopardized when Legislature’s appropriations panel proposing increasing gaming taxes to balance ailing state budget.

May 8, 2007: Hollywood Slots’ parent company halts work on the new complex pending outcome of tax dispute with state. Stoppage touches off battle between gambling fans and foes.

May 9, 2007: Hollywood Slot supporter rally at State House; 200 turn out to protest perceived state money grab.

May 14, 2007: Work at site resumes after state lawmakers scrap slots tax increase.

Aug. 27, 2007: Concrete components for parking garage, gaming area begin to arrive.

Oct. 15, 2007: Exterior and street work get under way.

Nov. 4, 2007: Hollywood Slots marks second anniversary in interim facility. Slots operation surpasses $1 billion in total wagers, more than $74 million in net revenue, state says.

May 25, 2008: Gambling control board members visit nearly completed facility. Project within budget, on time for July 1 grand opening.

– Dawn Gagnon, BDN