Gila River Hotels & Casinos, a name in use for 27 years, is morphing to Gila River Resorts & Casinos this week.
The company said it will be celebrating its new moniker in conjunction with the finish of the $180m expansion of its Wild Horse Pass property, which includes the opening of a new hotel tower.
Sundt Construction, Inc., TynanGroup and Friedmutter Group commenced the project in August 2020. Gila River officials said the Wild Horse Pass property had not been expanded since it opened in 2009.
The new, 11-story, 150-foot Sunrise Tower has 205 guest rooms and suites. It is connected to the existing Sunset Tower, and gives the resort a total of 447 rooms.
Other changes include upgrades to the lobby, art from Gila River Indian Community artists, two new pools, and expanded indoor and outdoor meeting space.
Wild Horse Pass will be the site of several promotional events over the weekend of January 21 and 22. The festivities will start Friday night with a concert by Ludacris and a party with local radio station Live 101.5 in the Spotlight Lounge.
On Saturday, guests who are enrolled in Gila River’s loyalty program, THE Card, are eligible to win $1,000 every hour between 9 am to 8 pm. Football fans will be welcomed to watch the NFL Division games that day at the property’s new BetMGM Sportsbook.
Saturday night will see the grand opening of the new rooftop restaurant and lounge Prime and 11ven at Prime, featuring DJ James Kennedy. A drone show will be in the air at 6:30 pm, with the best viewing from the rooftop lounge.
“We are truly excited to introduce ourselves as Gila River Resorts & Casinos,” Kenneth Manuel, CEO of Gila River Resorts & Casinos, said in a statement. “Throughout the past several years, we have been creating a destination packed with thrilling entertainment and new ways to play so that guests can come as they are and own their moment. From our new, Las Vegas-style live table games, exciting nightlife, and the addition of our BetMGM Sportsbooks to new fine dining options, spacious rooms, and a variety of serene and secluded pools, Gila River Resorts & Casinos provides guests with a casino resort experience like no other.”
