Pechanga Breaks Ground on Massive $285 Million Expansion

TEMECULA, CA- Members of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians gathered Wednesday to herald the start of work on a $285 million project to enlarge the tribe’s Temecula casino, adding a 568-room wing, event center and other accommodations.

“Today we celebrate the beginning of the next chapter of Pechanga Resort & Casino and our history,” said Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro.

“This development will build upon the quality and reputation of the original resort and continue our tribe’s entrepreneurial spirit for future generations. We are grateful and proud ... to be in a position to strengthen tourism in the Temecula Valley and Southern California.”

The two-year Eagle Four expansion is expected to create 3,000 construction-related jobs, and will result in about 560 long-term positions once the new casino facilities are fully operational, according to resort officials.

The 568-room wing will be complemented by a two-story spa, an eight-pool complex with a gym, two restaurants and 67,000 square feet of event space, officials said.

When all is said and done, officials say the resort will boast the following:

• Casino square footage: 200,000
• Event/meeting/convention square footage: 100,000 (indoor) 174,500 (outdoor)
• Number of hotel rooms: 1090
• Number of restaurants: 13
• Number of pools: 13
• Number of employees: 4,560

It’s estimated construction activity will generate roughly $550 million for the area economy.

“We are completely committed to making Pechanga Resort & Casino a world- class resort destination,” said Patrick Murphy, president of the Pechanga Development Corporation.

“We have consistently provided our guests with excellent quality and customer service, and now we’re making their experience even better. We are very excited for the future.”

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors signed off on Tuesday on an intergovernmental agreement with the tribe, under which upwards of $330,000 will be distributed to county agencies to offset additional burdens arising from the casino expansion.

According to officials, more than $5 million will be spent to expand Pechanga Parkway and other local roads as part of the expansion, and $14 million will be allocated for improvements to the Interstate 15/Temecula Parkway interchange.

— By City News Service.