The Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino celebrated a significant milestone on Friday with the grand opening of its new hotel. This addition features 175 rooms, a pool, a fitness center, and a dining hall, enhancing the resort’s appeal. This ribbon-cutting event follows closely on the heels of the launch of Spokane Live, a midsize concert venue, in November last year.
The casino’s journey of expansion began three years ago, doubling the size of its gaming floor. “Watching all the elements come together is thrilling,” said Matthew Damskov, director of hotel operations, prior to the event, according to The Spokesman-Review. “Our casino has been expanding and improving ever since we opened six years ago.”
Expanding Entertainment and Amenities
Larry Buck, production director for the casino, highlighted the versatility of the new music venue, which can host a variety of performances ranging from rock to hip-hop, country, and Americana. “Anything that people want to get up and move to,” he remarked.
Situated at 14300 State Route 2 in Airway Heights, the casino sprawls across approximately 100 acres, allowing ample room for future expansions. Upcoming plans include a large parking lot next to the music venue that can host music festivals for up to 8,500 people, an RV park, and a parking garage.
“This marks the transition from the original casino to what is now the hotel lobby and the connection to the gaming floor,” explained Damskov, pointing out the new retail shop, guest registration area, and the 175 rooms envisioned by former Spokane tribal council members in an economic plan from the late 1990s.
Tribal council chairman Greg Abrahamson emphasized the project’s positive impact on employment. “A lot of our youth, some of the younger people, are working in this establishment. That was all part of going through this, to get our people working, get jobs, get revenue,” he shared with KREM.
To staff the new hotel, the casino is currently hiring, aiming to increase its workforce beyond the current 600 employees, a significant rise from 150 employees four years ago. “The economic impact is incredible,” stated general manager Javier de la Rosa.
Damskov noted the hospitality industry’s recovery post-pandemic, with the new expansion attracting both leisure and business travelers due to its proximity to the airport and the Air Force base. Rooms, priced between $130 and $200 based on demand, are now open for reservations.
All revenue generated from the casino and hotel benefits the Spokane Tribe. Looking ahead, tribal and casino leaders are already planning further expansions, including additional gaming options and more rooms. “There’s more to come. The conversations have already started,” de la Rosa confirmed.
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