Spirit Mountain Casino renovations to begin this summer

By Alexander Bliven

Smoke Signals intern

As part of an upcoming renovation project referred to as a “refresh,” guests at Spirit Mountain Casino can expect to see changes to the facility beginning this summer.

In an announcement to casino staff, Spirit Mountain Casino CEO Camille Mercier outlined planned updates to the more than 30-year-old facility, including renovations to the areas occupied by Mountain View Sports Bar and The Peak.

During a Tuesday, May 19, Legislative Action Committee meeting, Tribal Council and Spirit Mountain Gaming Inc. Board of Directors member Kathleen George said that renovations have been planned for a long time and will provide a needed update to the aging casino.

“We know that this is a 30-plus-year-old facility now and it requires some investment and maintenance and upkeep,” George said. “We want to keep everything fresh and a good experience for our guests.”

George also said that these developments are “expected to improve our slot performance over the upcoming year.”

The space currently occupied by Mountain View Sports Bar will be converted into a new entryway gaming area. Featuring 165 slot machines, this space is “designed to create a more energetic and welcoming arrival experience for our guests as they enter the casino,” Mercier said.

The large LED screen found in front of the bar will remain in place, but moved to a higher position to allow for an unobstructed view of the new gaming space.

Mountain View Sports Bar’s final day of operation in its current location will be Monday, July 27. Afterward, the bar will open in a temporary location Friday, July 31, in the former Happy Dragon Restaurant space near the Rogue River room. Updated menus and pricing are expected to be announced during the opening.

Construction of the entryway gaming area is scheduled to be completed by the end of October.

Additionally, the area known as The Peak — which includes gaming for Sportsbook and Keno, and restaurants 10 Barrel Hop Yard and Stadium Bar — will be transformed into a new sports bar and restaurant.

This new venue is planned to include an increased seating capacity by more than 100 seats, two private dining rooms, a stage for entertainment and sports broadcasts or podcasts, 85 slot machines including 22 bar top machines and remodeled restrooms.

The new venue’s name will be announced at a later date.

By the end of remodeling, Sportsbook, Keno and Stadium Bar will remain in their current locations, but 10 Barrel Hop Yard will close its doors, with its final day of operation Sunday, July 26.

“We appreciate the partnership and experiences created in that space over the years,” Mercier said.

Guests will still be able to purchase many of the restaurant’s pizza offerings through the casino’s deli area moving forward.

While renovations are underway, Sportsbook and Keno will be moved to a temporary location across from the temporary sports bar. Guests can also expect the slot machines found in and around The Peak and the hallway near the employee dining room to be relocated as part of ongoing operations. Signage and previews will be displayed throughout remodeling, offering guests a look at upcoming changes.

Construction is expected to ramp up in late July. From Tuesday, July 28, through Thursday, July 30, the Rogue River Rooms — which currently house the Friday and Saturday Prime Rib & Seafood Fest — will temporarily operate as a buffet-style dining venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner while setup for the temporary Sportsbook and Keno area is completed.

“This refresh project reflects our continued commitment to investing in our property, improving the guest experience and ensuring we remain competitive and successful well into the future,” Mercier said.