The transfer of city land to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe is now official and plans for a new casino are underway.
The 31-acre parcel on West Grant Road just east of Interstate 10, near Old Pascua, is now sovereign tribal land.
Demolition of the former movie theater at the site happened last year.
Last February, the former Century Park 16 Theaters were demolished as part of a plan by the Pascua Yaqui to open a new casino and hotel on West Grant Road near Interstate 10. The property sits next to Tucson’s original Pascua Yaqui Village.
“Pascua Yaqui Tribal members have lived and worked in this area for hundreds of years, and we continue to live, worship, and raise our families here today, Peter Yucupicio, chairman of the tribe. “To have the opportunity to be able to expand and provide additional jobs and revitalization to the area is amazing.
“We have been planning for the possibility of this project for some time, and it’s just incredible that now it can become a reality.”
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe owns and operates Casino Del Sol and Casino of the Sun in southwest Tucson, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary later this year.
This third property will be the first within Tucson city limits.
Plans for the new casino include gaming machines, table games, sports betting, several food and beverage outlets, and a parking garage.
“We are not just excited about the project, but also about what it means for this part of town,” said CEO of Casino Del Sol, Kimberly Van Amburg. “It will be the first step towards rejuvenating and beautifying this important area of Tucson.”
No timeline for the completion of the casino has been announced.
