In a historic move for Tucson, Arizona, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe has officially kicked off construction on its highly anticipated new casino, marking the first of its kind within the city’s limits. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Monday, symbolizes the beginning of a new era for the tribe and the surrounding community. The project, located at the intersection of West Grant Road and Interstate 10, is expected to be completed in roughly 18 months, with plans for the grand opening in 2026.

A major development for the tribe and Tucson:

This new addition to the local entertainment and gaming scene will span an impressive 172,000 square feet, with the casino floor alone covering 73,000 square feet. The property will feature an expansive array of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and a high-limit room. In addition to the casino, the development will also include a sports bar, a restaurant, and a second-floor escalator entrance. Complementing these offerings will be a four-level parking garage that can accommodate over 1,000 vehicles, which is nearing completion as part of the overall project.

According to the Arizona Daily Star, the new casino will reflect the aesthetic of its sister property, Casino Del Sol on West Valencia Road, with its signature painted-sky ceiling and copper dome. This design is a nod to the cultural and architectural heritage of the tribe, providing a unique and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

The new casino is not just a financial venture but a deeply personal milestone for many tribal members. During the groundbreaking ceremony, Gloria Alvarez Gomez, a member of the Pascua Yaqui council, spoke passionately about the long-term significance of the project for future generations. “We are building not only a casino, but a legacy,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of the development in creating lasting employment opportunities for tribal members.

Once operational, the casino is projected to create approximately 1,000 new jobs, a substantial boost to the tribe’s economy. The project also holds special meaning for Peter Yucupicio, the tribal vice chairman, who was instrumental in securing the land for development. Yucupicio, who grew up just a block away from the site, became emotional as he reflected on his childhood home and the journey the tribe has undertaken to reclaim and develop the land.

In 2011, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe purchased the land, and after years of collaboration with local officials and members of Congress, the land was officially placed into trust. This development was made possible by the passage of the Old Pascua Community Land Acquisition Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in December 2022. The law helped secure the land as part of the Pascua Yaqui reservation, a historic achievement for the tribe.

Community support and long-term impact:

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by various officials, including representatives from the city, state, and federal government. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero praised the project, noting the significance of the casino’s location within the city limits. “It is Pascua Yaqui land and finally it is returning to its rightful owners. Finally,” Romero said, underscoring the cultural and legal significance of the development.

The casino will not only create jobs but also serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of Old Pascua and the central Tucson area. CEO Kim Van Amburg of Casino Del Sol expressed optimism about the project’s potential to enhance Tucson’s image and provide a boost to the local economy. “I think it’s great for Tucson’s image, I think it’s great to have something like that close to downtown,” he remarked.

In addition to the casino itself, the tribe is planning further expansions at the site. The next phase of development will include a resort and conference center, along with an additional parking garage to accommodate growing demand. The tribe is also collaborating with local officials and the Arizona Department of Transportation to widen Grant Road in preparation for the increased traffic the new casino is expected to bring.

The casino project is more than just a commercial development; it represents a step toward long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. According to Van Amburg, the creation of the casino is crucial to ensuring that the tribe can continue to provide vital services to its members, as the revenue generated will directly benefit the community. “It’s how they make their money to provide services to tribal members,” he explained, as KOLD reports.

For many of the tribe’s members, the new casino is a symbol of resilience and determination. As Peter Yucupicio reflected during the ceremony, the tribe has always strived to improve the lives of its people. “How do we all strive to make it a better life for all of us?” he asked, reminding those in attendance of the shared goals that have driven the tribe for generations. The new casino, and the opportunities it will create, marks a significant step in realizing that vision for future generations.