Representatives from the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians will officially unveil the expanded Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula next week, featuring more pools, gaming rooms and event space for entertainment.
“This $300 million project is a long-term investment to help cement Pechanga and Southern California Wine Country as a complete and refined destination experience,” said tribal Chairman Mark Macarro. “It is the beginning of the next chapter of Pechanga Resort & Casino and an important milestone in our history.
“This expansion prepares our tribe for the next quarter-century and positions our tribal government and community for success in the 21st century and beyond.”
A grand opening ceremony is set for March 3, with a ribbon-cutting followed by a poolside party and rock concert on the 4.5-acre grounds, located at 45000 Pechanga Parkway.
Work on the expansion project concluded in December, after two years of construction.
Since last spring, Pechanga officials have conducted multiple job fairs to fill the nearly 600 open positions stemming from the enlargement.
One consulting firm estimated that the resort makeover added roughly $550 million to the area economy, thanks mostly to construction employment.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of our team, community partners and the more than 3,000 construction workers that helped bring this project to fruition,” said Edith Atwood, president of the Pechanga Development Corporation’s Board of Directors.
“This expansion gives us nearly 1,100 rooms — the most of any other casino in California — and provides our guests with unparalleled luxury amenities.”
Along with the additions to the resort, the tribe is spending close to $20 million on infrastructure improvements, primarily road expansions, in Temecula in an attempt to relieve traffic congestion tied to resort operations.
The expansion involved erecting a 568-room wing to the existing resort hotel, as well as building five large pools and four whirlpool spas, featuring a swim-up bar.
At the center of the pool complex is a new outdoor concert venue, dubbed “The Cove.” There is also a revamped Pechanga Summit event center for conventions and concerts and 200,000 square feet of additional casino space, according to Pechanga officials.
–City News Service