Washington's Spokane Tribe Casino hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for new hotel addition

The Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino marked a key milestone on Friday with the opening of its new hotel addition, featuring 175 rooms, a pool, fitness center, and dining hall. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the hotel comes just months after the casino unveiled Spokane Live, a midsize concert venue, in November last year.

The casino, which had its first major expansion three years ago, doubling the size of its gaming floor, continues to enhance its offerings. “Watching all the elements come together is thrilling,” said Matthew Damskov, director of hotel operations, ahead of the ribbon-cutting event, as per The Spokesman-Review. “Our casino has been expanding and improving ever since we opened six years ago.”

Larry Buck, production director for the casino, emphasized the versatility of the music venue, capable of hosting a range of acts from rock to hip-hop, country, and Americana. “Anything that people want to get up and move to,” he said.

Located at 14300 State Route 2 in Airway Heights, the casino sits on about 100 acres of land, providing ample space for future expansions. Plans include a large parking lot adjacent to the music venue that can accommodate music festivals for up to 8,500 people, an RV park, and a parking garage.

“This is the transition from the original casino into what now is the hotel lobby and the connection to the gaming floor,” said Damskov, showcasing the new retail shop, guest registration area, and the 175 rooms envisioned by former Spokane tribal council members in an economic plan drafted in the late 1990s.

Tribal council chairman Greg Abrahamson noted the project’s impact on employment. “A lot of our youth, some of the younger people, are working in this establishment. That was all part of going through this, to get our people working, get jobs, get revenue,” he said, as reported by KREM.

The casino is currently hiring to staff the new hotel, adding to its workforce of 600 employees, a significant increase from 150 employees four years ago. “The economic impact is incredible,” said general manager Javier de la Rosa.

Damskov noted the hospitality industry’s rebound post-pandemic, with the new expansion attracting both leisure and business travelers due to its proximity to the airport and the Air Force base. Rooms, averaging between $130 and $200 based on demand, are now available for reservation.

All revenue from the casino and hotel benefits the Spokane Tribe. Looking ahead, tribal and casino leaders are already planning further expansions, including more gaming options and additional rooms. “There’s more to come. The conversations have already started,” de la Rosa said.