Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will open in mid-November, several weeks earlier than originally planned. The $275 million project, described as the largest casino investment in Iowa, had initially targeted a later opening date.

Developers from Peninsula Pacific Entertainment credited construction progress, local partnerships and favorable conditions for allowing the facility to move ahead of schedule. The property’s grand opening celebration will now take place on December 4-5, instead of the previously announced December 31 date.

“We have been fortunate to partner with many Iowa contractors and trade unions to work on the build of Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center,” said Stefan Huba, chief development officer at Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, as reported by KWWL-TV. “A strong plan, good architecture, strategic procurement, local labor and favorable weather have helped keep work ahead of schedule.”

Entertainment Venue Prepares First Events

The Cedar Crossing Event Center will form a major part of the development’s entertainment offering, with plans to host more than 100 shows annually. The venue will have seating for approximately 1,500 guests and will feature performances from national, regional and local acts.

The Pork Tornadoes will open the concert schedule on November 25. Other announced performers include Old Dominion on December 5, Steve-O on December 12 and the Eli Young Band on January 22, 2027.

The initial entertainment lineup also includes Switchfoot, James “Murr” Murray, the Ying Yang Twins with Paul Wall, Parmalee, the Marshall Tucker Band, the Red Hot Chili Pipers, the Commodores and Carrot Top.

The facility will also include Jocko’s Comedy Club, which will present comedians such as Brooks Wheelan, Josh Blue and Greg Hahn through its Thursday Comedy Series.

“Cedar Crossing is designed to be much more than a casino,” said Kim Pang, executive vice president and general manager of Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center. “We’re creating a destination where guests can enjoy premier gaming, dining, comedy and concerts.”

“Our goal is the deliver entertainment experiences that will enhance what is available in Cedar Rapids and provide new reasons for residents and visitors to spend time in our community,” Pang said.

Gaming Facility Adds Jobs And Local Programs

When completed, Cedar Crossing will include 700 slot machines, 22 table games, restaurants, bars and additional attractions. The 160,000-square-foot property will also feature the Clubhouse by Zach Johnson and an Arts and Cultural Center, along with a STEM lab.

The casino expects to hire around 350 permanent employees across gaming operations, hospitality, food and beverage and other departments. Recruitment is scheduled to begin in September, with positions advertised through the casino’s website, LinkedIn and Indeed.

Developers said local workers and businesses played an important role during construction. Around 98% of project contracts were awarded to Iowa companies, with many businesses based in Cedar Rapids and Linn County.

“We want people to be part of something worth discovering,” Pang said. “We anticipate hiring to begin in September for a variety of positions in all areas of the facility.”

The property will also introduce a Points Partner Program that allows guests to redeem rewards at more than 20 local businesses. The initiative aims to keep entertainment spending within the Cedar Rapids economy.

Cedar Crossing will provide a shuttle service connecting visitors with hotels, downtown attractions and cultural areas including Czech Village and New Bohemia. The casino has also committed to contributing 8% of its net adjusted gross revenue to the Linn County Gaming Association to support nonprofit organisations throughout the Corridor.

Long Development Process Reaches Opening Stage

The Cedar Crossing project followed years of efforts to bring casino gaming to Cedar Rapids. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission rejected previous proposals in 2014 and 2017 before approving the Linn County Gaming Association’s application last year.

A legal challenge from Riverside Casino & Golf Resort questioned the approval process, including issues surrounding the 2021 ballot measure that confirmed support for gambling in Linn County. The challenge was ultimately rejected, allowing construction to continue.

The project broke ground in early 2025 after receiving regulatory approval. Developers said the opening date reflects progress made during construction and cooperation with local contractors.

“This has been a whirlwind of excitement, and we just can’t keep it in any longer,” said Peninsula’s Chief Marketing Officer Todd Moyer. “From day one, Cedar Crossing has been designed to be an entertainment destination first and a place to gather, celebrate and discover something new.”