The Pascua Yaqui Tribe has confirmed that Casino Del Sol Vahi Taaʼam, its third gaming property in Southern Arizona, will welcome guests beginning November 15, 2026. Located at 1055 W. Grant Road near Interstate 10, the development will become the first casino situated within Tucson city limits and represents a major addition to the Tribe’s gaming and hospitality operations.

Operating under the Casino Del Sol brand, the 163,000-square-foot property has been developed as part of the Tribe’s continuing efforts to support economic growth, strengthen cultural identity, and expand opportunities within the region. Tribal officials and company leaders say the project is expected to generate approximately 500 new jobs across several departments, including gaming, hospitality, food service, security, and administration.

The new venue joins the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s existing gaming portfolio, which includes Casino Del Sol Resort on Valencia Road and Casino of the Sun.

The property’s name, Vahi Taaʼam, is pronounced vah-hee tah-ahm and translates to “Three Suns” in Yoeme, the language of the Pascua Yaqui people. Tribal leaders say the name reflects themes of light, progress, and optimism for the community and visitors alike.

“Casino Del Sol, Vahi Taaʼam is built on Old Pascua Community land, and it carries that meaning with it. November 15 cannot come soon enough,” said Julian Hernandez, chairman of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, in a statement published on the official website.

Design Draws Inspiration From Tribal Heritage and Arizona Landscapes

Developers designed the property to reflect both the Sonoran Desert environment and the history of the Pascua Yaqui people. One of its most prominent architectural elements is a 26-foot copper dome overlooking Interstate 10. The feature was created to resemble a desert sunrise while also acknowledging Arizona’s long-standing connection to copper production.

Inside, guests will encounter vaulted dome ceilings, terrazzo tile patterns, wood finishes, ironwork, and decorative archways. A major artistic centerpiece will be a 24,000-square-foot mural created by Tucson artist Joe Pagac. Covering the interior dome ceiling, the artwork depicts an Arizona desert sky enhanced by programmable lighting effects that transition from bright daytime tones to the colors associated with a Sonoran Desert sunset.

Tribal leadership said the project reflects values that guided the development from its earliest stages.

“Every design choice, every partnership, every hire – all of it flows from the same source: our culture, our people, and our responsibility to the Tucson community we have called home for generations,” said Hernandez.

Gaming Floor, Sportsbook and Dining Options Planned

Casino Del Sol, Vahi Taaʼam will feature a 52,334-square-foot gaming floor equipped with 924 slot machines, including 56 games dedicated to high-limit play. Visitors will also have access to table games, seven bar-top gaming stations, a High Limit Lounge, and a SolSports sportsbook offering wagering on major sporting events.

The Club Sol rewards program will be available at the property from its first day of operation.

Food and beverage offerings will include Old Pascua Grill, also referred to as OP Grill, a 174-seat restaurant inspired by local flavors. Sewa Market will combine concepts from several existing Casino Del Sol dining venues, including UME, Streetscape, and Abuelitas Taqueria. Guests will also find three bars on-site: Center Bar, OP Grill Bar, and High Limit Bar.

To accommodate visitors, the property includes a four-level parking structure with capacity for more than 1,200 vehicles.

Employment Impact and Leadership Team

The Tribe expects the development to deliver a significant employment boost to Southern Arizona through the creation of nearly 500 positions.

“Casino Del Sol, Vahi Taaʼam is more than a new property – it is a declaration of what the Pascua Yaqui Tribe stands for: a future as bright as the three suns its name evokes,” said Amanda Sampson Lomayesva, Interim CEO of Casino Del Sol. “We look forward to opening these doors, to welcoming the nearly 500 people who will work within these walls, and to bringing this experience to the heart of Tucson.”

Leadership of the new property will fall to General Manager Lesah Sesma, a longtime Casino Del Sol employee with 15 years of experience within the organization. Her career has included roles in community relations, organizational development, and management at the company’s flagship resort. According to Casino Del Sol, her appointment reflects the organization’s focus on internal leadership development. Meanwhile, Miguel Escamilla will remain General Manager of the flagship Valencia Road property, bringing more than three decades of experience to that role.