San Diego County's First Resort-Casino Opens
Casino Provides 1,100 Full-Time Jobs, Increased Traffic To Area
POSTED: 8:15 a.m. PDT August 8, 2002
UPDATED: 10:22 a.m. PDT August 9, 2002
SAN DIEGO -- All the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas was brought to the Rincon Indian reservation Thursday for the opening of San Diego County's first resort-casino.
Harrah's Rincon Casino and Resort made its debut amid Vegas showgirls, parachuting Elvis impersonators known as the "Flying Elvi," and other entertainment.
Outside, the casino has a "very Southern California feel," with faint pink stucco, said Jennifer Weissman, director of marketing. But inside, "the casino is truly Las Vegas," she said, with all the accompanying glowing neon, flashing lights and energy.
San Diego County's first resort-casino is owned by the Rincon San Luiseno band of Mission Indians and operated by Las Vegas-based Harrah's. This will be the first Las Vegas-based casino operating in California, Weissman said.
"It's obviously going to be for the tourists in San Diego a great destination, especially for residents of Los Angeles and Orange County," Weissman said.
It is expected to provide 1,100 full-time jobs, including for more than 20 tribal members -- some who had never worked before, Weissman said.
The casino, which lies off Valley Center Road, also is expected to provide plenty of traffic. Organizers predicted heavy traffic for today's opening festivities.
A County of San Diego report released Wednesday found that one of the major effects Indian casinos have on surrounding areas is increased traffic.
The revenue the Rincon tribe receives could be used to help build infrastructure, such as a fire station, housing, and facilities for education or elder care, Weissman said.
The hotel offers 200 rooms, and a 45,000-square-foot casino floor will feature 1,500 slot machines and tables for blackjack, baccarat and pai gow poker.
Other amenities include six restaurants and a 157,000-gallon pool.
Harrah's Rincon Casino and Resort made its debut amid Vegas showgirls, parachuting Elvis impersonators known as the "Flying Elvi," and other entertainment.
Outside, the casino has a "very Southern California feel," with faint pink stucco, said Jennifer Weissman, director of marketing. But inside, "the casino is truly Las Vegas," she said, with all the accompanying glowing neon, flashing lights and energy.
San Diego County's first resort-casino is owned by the Rincon San Luiseno band of Mission Indians and operated by Las Vegas-based Harrah's. This will be the first Las Vegas-based casino operating in California, Weissman said.
"It's obviously going to be for the tourists in San Diego a great destination, especially for residents of Los Angeles and Orange County," Weissman said.
It is expected to provide 1,100 full-time jobs, including for more than 20 tribal members -- some who had never worked before, Weissman said.
The casino, which lies off Valley Center Road, also is expected to provide plenty of traffic. Organizers predicted heavy traffic for today's opening festivities.
A County of San Diego report released Wednesday found that one of the major effects Indian casinos have on surrounding areas is increased traffic.
The revenue the Rincon tribe receives could be used to help build infrastructure, such as a fire station, housing, and facilities for education or elder care, Weissman said.
The hotel offers 200 rooms, and a 45,000-square-foot casino floor will feature 1,500 slot machines and tables for blackjack, baccarat and pai gow poker.
Other amenities include six restaurants and a 157,000-gallon pool. Copyright 2002 by TheSanDiegoChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
