Quechan casino past halfway point

Even as a work in progress, the nearly 300,000-square-foot Quechan Casino Resort rising out of the desert west of Yuma is impressive.

The public got its first look during a media tour Thursday afternoon of the resort, now about 65 percent completed.

The Quechan Nation broke ground in June 2007. Since then, nearly 1 million cubic yards of dirt have been turned, more than 110,000 manhours have been spent and millions of dollars in revenue have been pumped into Yuma’s economy through the use of local subcontractors, vendors and suppliers whenever possible, said Steve Jones, senior project manager.

When completed, the resort will introduce a new level of entertainment for the region, said Mike Jackson Sr., tribal president.

The new 297,0000-square-foot resort will be anchored by a casino with a food court, a 276-seat cafe, 89-seat Ironwood Steakhouse and 142-seat sports bar with plasma television sets and a dance floor.

A 22,500-square-foot event center will hold approximately 2,300 for a concert or 850 for a formal dinner, and can be split into as many as six smaller rooms. The 166-room hotel complex has an elaborate pool area and lazy river. Other amenities include a health facility and on-site recreational vehicle parking.

"It not only will wow you," said Jones. "It will be very comfortable for the guests."

Located off Interstate 8 at the Algodones exit six miles west of Yuma and halfway between San Diego and Phoenix, the complex is expected to serve as both a regional attraction and a regional economic engine drawing visitors from Yuma and Imperial counties as well as from nearby Mexico and hopefully become a destination for I-8 travelers, said Jackson.

Mitzi Monge, a reporter from Mexicali, said the people there are excited about the resort and looking forward to spending time as "therapy" from their jobs and everyday lives.

Anticipated completion for the $200 million project is mid-2009. Jackson said once the new casino is open, the tribe will close its current California Paradise Casino and convert the building to a community center for tribal members. The Arizona Paradise Casino will remain open.

"It will be beautiful," Jackson said of the resort, "and it's state of the art. It's not just a casino but an entertainment center. It will be the first of its kind in Yuma and Imperial counties. I know people are looking for something to do. I invite people to come and enjoy it."

Along with providing a one-stop entertainment venue for the Quechans' neighbors, it's also a vital link for the tribe's financial future, noted Felix Montague, chairman of the Quechan construction committee.

"I feel this project has been one of the most challenging we've faced," he said. "I want to thank our grandfathers for their persistence in fighting for these lands. This project is a hallmark of economic development by the tribe. It will be a lifeline for our future generations."

Brian Golding Sr., economic development director for the Quechans, agreed. "This is the largest real estate effort by the tribe. I think it will bring us to a new level as an economic player. I look forward to the grand opening and the benefits it brings not only to the tribe but to the region as a whole."

Jackson said the complex is just in the first phase of development, and he would like to see a water slide park and other attractions added in the future.

Reservations are now being taken for the event center for such activities as banquets and wedding receptions. For more information, call Josie Martinez at 1-888-777-IWIN, Ext. 2362, or Jorge Elias at Ext. 2368.

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SOME FACTS
The new casino will have:

• 990 Class 3 gaming machines on a 33,000-square-foot floor, 24 table games and 10 live poker tables

• A 278-seat cafe-style restaurant that is open 24 hours

• A two-station food court with dedicated patron seating

• A 170-seat sports bar with a permanent stage and a circular bar

The resort hotel will include:

• 166 rooms with eight suites that will be connected to the casino

• A resort-style swimming pool with private cabanas and a lazy river for guests

• Families and children will be welcome at the new facility

The event center will include:

• 22,500 square feet of space divisible into up to six smaller sections

• A permanent stage, sound and light system

• Full audio-visual and food and beverage support for functions

• The ability to hold concerts, trade shows, conferences and much more

• Projected capacities: concerts - 2,300; banquets - 850

To keep guests happy, the Quechan Casino Resort will have:

• Approximately 750 full-time employees

• Annual payroll of approximately $20 millio