Ilani Casino’s “big three” of leaders Bill Iyall (left), Kara Fox-LaRose (center) and David Barnett (right) cut the ribbon just before doors opened to the public on Monday morning.
After years of anticipation and legal wrangling, the Cowlitz Tribe’s ilani Casino Resort just east of La Center off Interstate 5 Exit 16 is finally open to North Clark County and the world.
Doors opened on Monday at 10 a.m. after a special ribbon cutting ceremony.
“I’m so proud of everyone who has worked tirelessly (on the project),” said ilani General Manager Kara Fox-LaRose.
Fox-LaRose, ilani founder and Cowlitz Tribe member David Barnett, tribal chairman Bill Iyall and tribal spiritual leader Tanna Engdahl all spoke briefly before the grand opening, but the crowd of several hundred people kept chanting “open, open!” When it did, the rush through the doors was wild scene of pushing and running.
Of its 368,000 total square feet inside, the main attraction — gaming — fills 100,000 square-feet with 2,500 slot machines and 75 gaming tables. Besides that, there are a multitude of dining options, ranging from upscale restaurants to casual food court options, and a couple entertainment venues with bars. Shopping is also available in the resort in the form of clothing, jewelry and souvenirs. To see further details on all the featured attractions, visit ilaniresort.com.
Most everything inside, from the carpets to the lighting fixtures, pays tribute to the Cowlitz Tribe in its design and decoration.
“It’s awesome,” said grand opening visitor Scott Conner, from Longview. “It’s beautiful, top of the line art and decor. I think it’s going to be a hit.”
Another first-day visitor, Cathy, of Battle Ground, described ilani as “nicer than most any casino I’ve been in.”
A few interior designs that stand out are the 360-degree lifted bar right in the middle of the building, and the big windows on the sides with great views of the surrounding landscape.
During the opening hour on Monday, eager attendees flocked mostly to the seemingly endless supply of slot machines and the bars for drinks.
This weekend, the tribe’s 152-acre reservation is expected to be a swarming sea of visitors. Even after opening weekend though, Bill Iyall, chairman of the Cowlitz tribe, says the casino is expecting to attract over 4.5 million visitors a year. Other projections estimate more than an average of 12,000 people a day. If these numbers hold, it will obviously change North Clark County forever. Luckily, at least, the parking lot holds 3,000 vehicles.
Construction on the $510 million project began in January of last year, and although it is open now, it’s far from finished. Still, there are several construction vehicles and supplies scattered around the property and even a fair amount of caution tape and cones because ilani has made clear there are still additional phases of development still to come. A coming addition is a 17,000-square-foot wing that will be used to host big gatherings such as concerts and conventions. A hotel is expected to be built as well.
ilani will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
