Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center will welcome its first visitors on November 19, 2026, bringing a $275 million gaming and entertainment development to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The property will hold its official grand opening on December 5, approximately six weeks ahead of its original New Year’s Eve target.

General Manager and Executive Vice President Kim Pang confirmed the opening schedule during an Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission meeting in Dubuque on October 15. The regulator also approved several contracts for the casino, including a sports wagering licence.

“It’s a dream come true. We have opportunities and we want to be the fabric of Cedar Rapids,” Pang said. “Cedar Rapids have been waiting for this for many, many years.”

Developed by Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E), Cedar Crossing will become Linn County’s first casino and is expected to be Iowa’s 20th commercial gaming establishment.

Gaming Floor and Entertainment Facilities Near Completion

The property will feature approximately 700 slot machines and 22 table games, alongside a 1,500-seat entertainment venue designed for concerts and other live performances.

Construction crews are installing seating in the event area, while dealer training is underway. Technicians are also preparing to test gaming machines ahead of the public opening.

Pang said the development remains on schedule, with the team completing operational checks before welcoming guests.

“North of 30 days and everything is coming in line. Not to say we are ready yet, but we’re going through a lot of our checklists,” Pang said, as reported by KCRG. “We will be ready with all amenities. All amenities will be ready.”

Sports betting kiosks will become available around the December 5 grand opening, following the casino’s initial launch.

The official celebration will feature a sold-out concert by country music group Old Dominion. Other announced performers include Foghat, Hinder and Trace Adkins, with the venue planning to host more than 100 shows annually.

Cedar Crossing will also offer several dining options, including The Zach Johnson Clubhouse, a steakhouse named after the Cedar Rapids-area golfer. Its menu will feature dishes inspired by Johnson’s 2008 Masters Champions Dinner.

Additional facilities include World’s Fare, an international street food venue, and spaces for community events.

Long-Awaited Casino Project Advances After Previous Rejections

The opening follows more than a decade of efforts to establish a casino in Cedar Rapids.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission rejected earlier proposals in 2014 and 2017. Another attempt faced delays after lawmakers introduced a two-year moratorium on new casino licences in 2022.

Regulators eventually approved Cedar Crossing in February 2025, although the development subsequently faced legal challenges from Riverside Casino.

P2E has credited favourable weather and local contractors for helping construction progress ahead of the original schedule.

Aaron Gomes, President of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, welcomed the approaching launch:

“I’m proud of our team and what they’ve accomplished to bring Cedar Crossing to this point. We can’t wait to welcome everyone on November 19.”

The casino occupies the former Cooper’s Mill site at 777 Fourth Street NW, near the Cedar River. Developers incorporated flood protection measures, including construction above the floodplain, in an area heavily affected by the city’s 2008 flooding.

The project also includes an Arts and Culture Center and The Compass Center, a dedicated STEM education facility with an interactive astronaut exhibition. The educational space will have its own entrance, allowing visitors to access its programmes independently of the casino.

Development Expected to Support Local Economy

Cedar Crossing is expected to create approximately 350 jobs, with management prioritising applicants from the Cedar Rapids area. Around half of the positions had already been filled during preparations for the opening.

An economic study commissioned by P2E estimated that the casino could generate $80.2 million in additional revenue for Iowa. Separate projections suggested a potential statewide economic impact of $2.25 billion.

The property will also allocate 8% of its net adjusted gross revenue to the Linn County Gaming Association, which supports nonprofit organisations in the region.

P2E’s Jonathan Swain commented:

“Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center will be a transformative addition to the region and a major source of new revenue for the state.”