Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Completes Multi-Million Dollar Expansion Project
(MARICOPA, Ariz. – April 4, 2019) – The Ak-Chin Indian Community and Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, part of Caesars Entertainment and the state’s only tribal casino to have an international management partner, has completed its three year, multi-million dollar expansion project. To celebrate this milestone, the property hosted a weekend full of events including a VIP reception and ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of The Events Center at Harrah’s Ak-Chin and two sold-out Dave Chappelle performances.
“This celebration is the culmination of an effort that pushed individuals to act on their best ideas,” said Robert Livingston, general manager of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. “Working side-by-side with the Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Council, we were able to make the ideas a reality and create something truly beautiful.”
The vision for the renovation and expansion project that broke ground in June 2016, focused on creating spaces that would provide guests and visitors with high-quality hospitality, amenities and entertainment, further elevating the property to a full-service resort and casino.
“The Ak-Chin Indian Community is continuously looking for ways to make a positive economic impact in our community,” said Ak-Chin Indian Community Chairman Robert Miguel. “Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is a perfect example of what we can accomplish when we have common goals. The property draws visitors not only from across the state but from all over the world,” said Chairman Miguel.
A central element to the renovation was a focus on the tribe’s rich history. Throughout the property, guests will see Native American-inspired artwork and design elements that highlight the culture and traditions of the Ak-Chin Indian Community.
The Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino and Resort expansion includes a new lobby, a 12-story, 229-guestroom tower, spa, expanded gaming space, new restaurants, a multi-purpose event center, parking garage, a new Bingo hall and a new renamed Laurel Lounge for Caesars Rewards members.
In addition, enhancements are being made to pool-side rooms that overlook a newly renovated pool area with swim-up bar.
Projects at a Glance
Parking Garage
The new multi-level parking garage added an additional 730 parking spaces and allows direct access from the garage’s third floor directly into the casino and a direct connection to UltraStar Multi-Entertainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle.
The Event Center at Harrah’s Ak-Chin
The Events Center at Harrah’s Ak-Chin seats more than 2,000 and will feature high-quality entertainers such as Dave Chappelle, who is taking the stage as part of Harrah’s Grand Opening Celebration on April 5 and 6 at 8 pm. Other performers to date include Penn & Teller and The Righteous Brothers, with upcoming shows such as Dwight Yoakam and Los Lobos.
Bingo Hall
Harrah’s Ak-Chin boasts the only Bingo hall in the Caesars organization, continuing the proud heritage of William F. Harrah, who opened his first Bingo hall in Reno in 1937. The newly renovated hall seats up to 430 players and features more than 200 electronic handheld BINGO devices.
Oak & Fork
Oak & Fork is a wholly new concept at Harrah’s Ak-Chin, pairing crave-able and sharable small plate items with hand-picked wines, beers and cocktails. The wine selection includes everything from favorite local choices to imported selections from across the world. Oak & Fork focuses on wine and food pairing, making sure guests have a high-quality dining experience, every time. The elegant atmosphere and optional outdoor seating is a fabulous plus.
Chop, Block & Brew
Chop, Block & Brew is a 3,454-square-foot restaurant with seating for 159 guests. It features Native American-inspired artwork and design elements that highlight the culture and traditions of the Ak-Chin Indian Community.
Featuring gourmet burgers and a wood-burning mesquite grill, the rustic and relaxed environment serves as a perfect venue to enjoy pure-aged steaks, prime rib and seafood. In addition, the restaurant boasts a full bar including more than 30 draft and bottled craft beers, hand-crafted cocktails, premium whiskey and scotch.
The Spa at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
Featuring signature massage and facial treatments as well as a full-service nail salon, The Spa at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino features four beautifully appointed treatment rooms including one couple’s suite. Additional features of this spa include adjustable beds to ensure guest comfort and increased relaxation, complimentary LED Light Therapy in each treatment room, a dedicated Esthetics Room with back bar feature, and the Signature Hungarian Face Massage that is featured in all of Eminence Facials. In addition, guests may add a Facial Enhancement to any massage. The spa features the renowned skincare brand Eminence for facial and body experiences and Farmhouse Fresh for other treatments.
The Buffet
The renovated buffet features American, Asian and Mexican fare including hand-carved meats accompanied by traditional sides, salads and soups. The dessert bar hosts favorites including gelato and mini-cheesecakes as well as new selections created by Chef Colin Ribble.
In addition, the newly remodeled 7,607-square-foot buffet will feature a new pizza and pasta station featuring Italian favorites including:
- Variety of pizza/calzones
- Brick oven baked pasta’s
- Made to order pasta station including deep dish
- Assorted Italian breads and antipastos
About Ak-Chin Indian Community
The Ak-Chin Indian Community is nestled into the Santa Cruz Valley of Southern Arizona about 58 miles south of Phoenix in the northwestern part of Pinal County. The tribe’s government was formally organized in 1961, under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. The Ak-Chin Indian Community is governed by a five member Tribal Council which oversees the governmental operations and departments that service the community of Ak-Chin. The tribe currently has 1,094 tribal members. Its first major enterprise was Ak-Chin Farms, which currently harvests over 15,000 acres, making it one of the largest farming communities in the United States. Ak-Chin Indian Community entered into the gaming industry in 1994 with Promus/Harrah’s management.
About Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino:
Celebrating nearly 25 years in Maricopa, Arizona, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is Arizona’s first and only tribal casino to have an international management partner. Harrah’s Ak-Chin is the only casino in Arizona that allows guests, through its Caesars Rewards program, to unlock benefits and other prizes that can be used worldwide at the entire Caesars’ family of casinos.
Harrah’s Ak-Chin also boasts the only Bingo hall in the Caesars organization, continuing the proud heritage of William F. Harrah, who opened his first Bingo hall in Reno in 1937.
In addition to its slot machines, video poker, video Keno, statewide progressives and live action poker and Black Jack, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino guests can also enjoy a variety of dining options, including the Copper Cactus Grill, Chop, Block & Brew, Oak & Fork, Agave’s Restaurant, The Buffet and Dunkin’ Donuts®.
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino features 529 luxurious resort and tower guestrooms, spa and fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool with swim-up bar.
Harrah’s Ak-Chin has been named a Most Admired Company by Arizona Business Magazine and Best Companies AZ, and Phoenix Business Journal has named the property one of the “Best Places to Work in the Valley” four consecutive years. Harrah’s Ak-Chin was also awarded a Volunteer Service Award from the Arizona Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism.
For more information about Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, visit www.harrahsakchin.com.
