In Washington, the Spokane Tribe announced on Wednesday that the long-awaited grand opening of their new $40 million casino in Airway Heights will take place on January 8, 2018 at 7pm.

From the parking lot of the Spokane Tribe Casino,  chairwoman for the Tribe, Carol Evans, said that she was “proud and honored” to be there representing the Tribe and that “it’s been a long time coming for the Spokane Tribe.” Evans said that to be able to build on their ancestral homeland “means so much to us.”

Reading from a prepared statement, chairwoman Evans went on to say that the new casino will offer approximately 450 slot machines, 12 table games, a restaurant and bar, a deli and gaming-floor bar.  She said that while many of the casino’s unique features represent the Spokane Tribe, she promised it would be a “wonderful experience for the public.”

Future plans for the 145-acre site on U.S. Highway 2 reportedly include a tribal cultural center, a hotel, restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues.

In the news release, Evans said, “Many supporters of the Spokane Tribe Economic Project helped with our efforts to make the casino become a reality, and we are grateful to share this celebration with them,” according to The Spokesman-Review.

Construction on the Spokane Tribe Casino began in November last year after a 10-year effort was approved by the U.S. Department of Interior in 2015. The Tribe won final approval from Gov. Jay Inslee in June 2016 and a year later revealed the name and logo for the new facility.

Approximately 300 people will reportedly be employed by the casino. The tribe held a job fair on October 26 to fill the roughly 300 positions but the casino is still hiring. Job openings are listed at spokanetribecasino.com for interested individuals.

The Spokane Tribe Casino is located just 2.7 miles from Northern Quest Resort & Casino which is owned and operated by the Kalispel Tribe.