Construction of the Grand Island Casino Resort in Nebraska is scheduled to commence in September after the conclusion of the state fair. Elite Casino Resorts, the developer behind the project, plans to break ground at Fonner Park racetrack in Grand Island. The temporary casino, expected to open in November, will feature an array of gaming options, including 300 slot machines, blackjack, roulette, and craps. A small restaurant and bar area will also be incorporated into the temporary structure. Following the completion of the state fair in 2023, the construction of the permanent casino will begin, with an anticipated opening in 2025. Nebraska voters approved the introduction of casinos at horse racetracks in November 2020, with Grand Island being one of the six initial projects slated for development.
Construction Timeline and Features:
The construction of the temporary Grand Island Casino Resort is set to commence after the Nebraska State Fair concludes on September 5. Chris Kotulak, the CEO of Fonner Park, confirmed that demolition work in the concourse area would begin just two days after the fair’s conclusion. The temporary casino, operational for a minimum of two years, will provide visitors with close to 300 slot machines, live table games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps, as well as a small restaurant and bar area.
Upon completion of the temporary facility, construction will commence on the permanent Grand Island Casino Resort after the 2023 state fair. The resort will boast an expansive 37,000-square-foot casino floor featuring 650 slot machines and 20 table games, including a sportsbook. Additionally, the venue will house four restaurants, including a rooftop dining experience, a show lounge, and a sports bar. Visitors can also look forward to a 116-room boutique hotel, a salon and spa, a gift shop, and an indoor and outdoor pool with a spacious deck. To cater to the parking needs, a 400-stall parking garage will be available for guests.
Appointment of General Manager:
Vince Fiala, formerly the assistant general manager of Elite’s Grand Falls Casino Resort in Larchwood, Iowa, has been appointed as the general manager of the Grand Island Casino Resort. With 14 years of experience in the casino industry and over 20 years in hospitality and finance, Fiala is well-equipped to lead the team and oversee the development of the resort. Prior to joining Elite Casino Resorts in 2014, he held positions such as accounting manager at Midco Connections, controller and interim general manager at a casino in South Dakota, and accounting manager at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Plymouth, MN.
The Grand Island Casino Resort in Nebraska is poised to begin construction in September, following the Nebraska State Fair. The temporary casino will offer a variety of gaming options, including slot machines and live table games. Meanwhile, plans are in place to construct a permanent casino with an array of amenities, such as restaurants, a boutique hotel, and pools, creating an all-encompassing entertainment experience. With the appointment of a seasoned general manager, the Grand Island Casino Resort is well-positioned for success. As the project progresses, it is expected to contribute to the growth and development of the Nebraska casino industry.