Officials broke ground Tuesday on Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort’s renovation and expansion, three months after it first announced plans to expand.
"Today's a big day for us as we embark on the beginning of a $10 million investment into the property," said Dan Kehl, CEO of Grand Falls, located only a few miles from Sioux Falls in Larchwood, Iowa.
He said the expansion will include the addition of 66 rooms onto the current hotel, and with an elevated corridor overlooking the outdoor pool and pool deck.
🏗 We broke ground today on our expansion project! 66 beautiful new rooms are set to open Memorial Day Weekend 2020.#SiouxFalls #Iowa #IowaCasino #Minnesota #SouthDakota #GrandFallsExpansion @ Grand Falls Casino &… https://t.co/meA0y7JSdi
— Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort (@GFCasino) 24 de septiembre de 2019
The current Center Bar will be converted into the Center Stage, as a place to hold musical entertainment. A lounge will be converted to a sports gambling spot.
On Aug. 31, through the amenity called Elite Sportsbook in the facility, Grand Falls became the first casino in Northwest Iowa with an operational sports book. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission granted an on-site sports wagering authorization to Grand Falls a few days before that. The area is near the casino's Poker Room and it boasts plush recliners, tables and television sets.
Of the $10 million total sum, $8.5 million will go toward the new hotel addition, while the remaining $1.5 million will go toward building the new sportsbook and center stage.
The casino opened in Lyon County, just outside Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 2011.
“These projects are consistent with our business philosophy of reinvesting in our properties, providing world-class facilities, luxurious amenities, exceptional food, and great guest services for all of our guests," Grand Falls general manager Sharon Haselhoff said. "These new additions will allow us to offer unmatched gaming and resort experience and accommodate even more guests throughout the tri-state area."
The casino plans to move relatively quickly on construction, with the goal to have the hotel expansion completed and ready to open by Memorial Day 2020.
"We want to have the hotel section up and running for the summer season," Kehl said. "We've got some exciting stuff going on out by the pool with a big television out here. You'll be able to hang out by the pool and watch sporting events."
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a measure in May allowing sports betting, and the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved casino application rules in late July.