PHOENIX, Ariz. (Nov. 16, 2020) – Nearly a decade before James Naismith introduced us to the sport of basketball and before Phoenix was placed on any map, the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and the Pee Posh (Maricopa) tribes joined in unity for the greater good of their communities. Together, two tribes became one, establishing the Gila River Indian Community.
Since that pivotal partnership in the mid-1800s, the “People of the River” have remained true to their community’s commitment to the arts, culture and crafts, ultimately leading to the birth of Gila River Hotels & Casinos as a leading destination for entertainment in the Valley.
Gila River Hotels & Casinos. There’s only one entertainment destination in Arizona that lets you do things your way. At Gila River Hotels & Casinos choose from 3 incredible casinos across the Valley, offering thousands of the newest slots, hundreds of table games like blackjack, Pai Gow, and poker in our luxurious Poker Rooms. Gila River Casinos TV Spot, '2019 George Lopez: The Wall' Submissions should come only from the actors themselves, their parent/legal guardian or casting agency. Please include at least one social/website link containing a recent photo of the actor. Gila River Arena is open for in person voting and ballot drop off starting October 28th at the main entrance of the arena from 9am -7pm. For a full schedule of when the arena is open for voting visit our website GilaRiverArena.com. The mission of the Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. Is to generate income for the Community, to provide employment opportunities for the Community and to participate in the economic growth of the Gila River Indian Community. Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. Will be Arizona's first choice in casino entertainment for both work and play. ©2020 Gila River Hotels & Casinos Owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community. If you are 21 or older, we invite you to explore our website. Please Play Responsibly. If you have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-639-8783.
A new chapter begins today – a union between Gila River Hotels & Casinos and the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury that will bring all-new amenities to consumers across the Valley and elevate sports and entertainment in the region for years to come.
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The two brands share rich histories, strong cultures, commitments to community, and a high regard for hospitable excellence. This new collaboration creates many firsts for each organization, and notably, firsts for the National Basketball Association.
Club Gila River, one of two new courtside properties, brings the exclusive casino partner’s luxury atmosphere to the Suns’ transformed arena. Fans entering the more than 4,000 square foot club will be greeted with all-inclusive food from Chef-attended stations, hand-crafted cocktails and beverages, and made-to-order pizza – all a few steps from their seats.
“With an extensive history as a leader in entertainment in the Valley and a shared commitment to supporting our communities, Gila River Hotels & Casino is an ideal partner for the next chapter of our storied franchise,” said Suns President & CEO Jason Rowley. “Offering new amenities across both organizations, we’re excited to bring Gila River’s hospitable excellence and experiences to Suns and Mercury fans everywhere.”
Beyond the hardwood at 201 E Jefferson Street, Suns and Mercury themed hotel rooms at Gila River’s Wild Horse Pass (Suns) and Vee Quiva (Mercury) resorts will be adorned with autographed memorabilia and design elements mirroring the downtown arena – guests will be immersed in their favorite Valley teams from sunrise to sunset during their stay.
An NBA-first, Gila River Hotels and Casinos will introduce an all-new collection of gaming chips and table felts donned with the iconic Phoenix Suns sunburst and Phoenix Mercury planet logo across all properties: Wild Horse Pass, Vee Quiva and Lone Butte.
“The uniting of our two epic entertainment brands ensures both of our guests remarkable experiences, offerings and connection. Suns and Mercury fans will be welcomed with custom fanatic guest rooms, branded table felts and branded gaming chips- the first in the NBA,” said Dominic Orozco, Chief Strategic Marketing Officer. “As our organization grows, we are honored to have a partner with shared values and celebrated principles. Gila River Hotels & Casinos and Gila River Indian Community’s love for sports, and the Valley, certifies our synergy will be a win for Arizona and beyond.”
The partnership is also beneficial to the Gila River Indian Community. The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury will host several initiatives all season long for community members including youth basketball clinics for children, pre-game on-court recognitions, a college mentorship program, player appearances and many other community events.
With the Suns on the rise, the Mercury chasing its fourth WNBA championship and the arena transformation well underway, the partnership with Gila River Hotels and Casinos promises to make the Valley a preeminent destination for sports and entertainment.
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CHANDLER, Ariz. (Aug. 27, 2020) – Gila River Hotels & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass broke ground on a $143 million expansion project in Chandler, a move that aligns with the enterprise’s rapid growth in Arizona.
Scheduled to open in fall 2021, an 11-story hotel tower will be added to Wild Horse Pass and connect to its existing hotel. The 150-foot tower will feature 205 guestrooms, for a total of 447 guestrooms on the property. Other highlights include rooftop dining with spectacular views, two pools, a new lounge and additional meeting space.
Gila River Casino Commercial
In partnership with Sundt Construction, Inc., TynanGroup and Friedmutter Group, this is the first expansion project for Gila River’s Wild Horse Pass property since it opened in 2009. The 26-year old enterprise, which is owned by the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC), also operates Lone Butte in Chandler and Vee Quiva in Laveen.
“This expansion is a major investment in the Gila River Indian Community and symbolic of a new chapter in our history,” said Gila River Hotels & Casinos CEO Kenneth Manuel. “It reflects our commitment to be a leader in the gaming and hospitality industry through enhanced experiences and amenities, and we look forward to seeing the continued representation of our community’s culture in the expansion project.”
Sundt Construction’s Project Executive Mike Nunn said he and his team are excited to be working with Gila River Hotels & Casinos.
“Our team is inspired to build the Wild Horse Pass expansion and working with Gila River Indian Community reminds us of our passion of quality, integrity and community support,” said Nunn. “When completed, the expansion will continue to provide a long lasting and positive impact to the Community, and Sundt is honored to be an integral part of the project team.”
The project management firm of the expansion, TynanGroup, has managed the construction of hotel and casino projects for the Gila River Indian Community dating back to 1999 and was also involved with the initial construction of Gila River Hotels & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass.
Las Vegas based Friedmutter Group, which is known for its iconic hotel and casino designs, is the project architect and has worked with the Gila River Indian Community for the past ten years on renovation and expansion projects for all of its existing casinos and hotel properties.
Expansion Centers Around New Tower
At the center of the Wild Horse Pass expansion project is the new 11-story hotel tower. The new 205 guestrooms will include 103 rooms with king beds, 63 rooms with two queen beds, six poolside suites and 27 tower suites. In addition, the new tower will have four Gold Suites and two 1,500-square-foot Platinum Suites with king beds, dining rooms, and a balcony with views of the Estrella mountains.
In addition to the existing 12,000-square-feet of conference space at Wild Horse Pass, the expansion will feature an additional 18,000-square-feet of indoor meeting space and 4,000 square feet of outdoor meeting space.
On the second floor of the new tower, an intimate bar and lounge will offer specialty cocktails and serve as a perfect setting to meet a colleague or enjoy a peaceful nightcap. Located on the hotel’s eleventh floor will be a rooftop dining option, which will provide guests with spectacular mountain and sunset views.
The expansion project will also feature new amenities at Wild Horse Pass, including an oversized oasis pool area for guests to soak in the sun. The pool area will feature two hot tubs, full-service cabanas and access to the Bar & Grill which will offer a full-service menu year-round. For those 21 years or older and looking for a relaxing place to unwind poolside, the new adult pool is the perfect spot. This pool provides direct access from six select suites.
The expansion will be adorned with custom artwork from 17 different artists who reside in the Gila River Indian Community. From paintings to photographs, the art will reflect the culture of Arizona and the Gila River Indian Community.
The casino floor will be revamped with new carpeting, color palette, lighting fixtures and a LED screen overhanging the floor stretching 80 feet wide and 12 feet tall.
For information about Gila River Hotels & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte or Vee Quiva, please visit PlayatGila.com.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ashley Bold, PR Account Executive, OH Partners
a.bold@ohpartners.com, (c) 510-495-7882
Teaya Vicente, Gila River Hotels & Casinos Public Relations Manager
teaya.vicente@gila.casino (c) 480-665-2554
Kimberley Hoidal, Public Relations and Communication Specialist, Sundt Construction
kahoidal@sundt.com, (o) 480-293-3001, (c) 520-282-3018
About Gila River Hotels & Casinos
Gila River Hotels & Casinos operates three Arizona casinos owned by the Gila River Indian Community: Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte, and Vee Quiva. Additional information is available at 1-800-946-4452 or at PlayAtGila.com.