Casino Expansion Continues
Black Oak Casino Phase II has taken shape and excitement is on the rise. The structural steel framework of the new tri-level casino is nearing completion and steel workers are finishing up their work on the porte cochere/entrance area.
This week brought a diversion of casino traffic to a roadway running through the construction project, as Kitchell Contractors and their subcontractors will be connecting existing water and electrical lines to the new facility. Public Safety and Parking departments are working together to minimize the impact this will have on casino guests and the tour bus traffic to the casino until the traffic flow returns to normal.
While Phase II progresses, the new non-smoking Casino annex “The Warehouse” with over 350 new slot machines will be opening in early July. This temporary casino will be a great smoke-free place for casino visitors to enjoy their favorite slots, initially open on weekends. It will also provide Black Oak Casino with an opportunity to test a selection of new technology and comfort options that will be used in the Phase II facility including slot chairs, machine heights and other guest amenities.
Plans are being made to have the last structural steel beam raised in mid-May. The beam will be placed at the topmost portion of the roof and will be a cause for celebration. Tribal members and Team Members will be on hand to view the setting of the beam during a “topping off” ceremony, which will be announced once a firm date is determined.
The new Phase II facility is designed to optimize the entertainment experience with more gaming options. Every detail was considered when planning Phase II´s 164,770 square feet of excitement. Included in the plans are 940 slot machines, 24 table games, a non-smoking gaming area, three restaurants, two casino floor bars, an interactive sports bar, an entertainment lounge with dance floor, a Players Club, and gift shop.
Phase II will also offer lots of fun for families and other guests seeking a different kind of entertainment. The casino will devote almost an entire floor to family entertainment including a Family Restaurant, a state of the art 24-lane bowling center and an arcade complete with the latest video and other interactive games.
Phase II will bring approximately 350 additional jobs to the Tuolumne County community. Recruitment efforts to fill the additional team member positions are currently underway. To date, the Casino has already brought over 350 jobs to the local area.
Black Oak Casino in Tuolumne has been in operation since May of 2001. The casino is open during construction and currently houses 600 slot machines and six table games, along with a 24-hour Cafe. The casino is owned and operated by the Tuolumne Band of Mi-Wuk Indians. The Phase II project broke ground August 11, 2002 and is on schedule to be completed in December this year.
For additional information regarding Black Oak Casino and its Phase II expansion, please visit www.blackoakcasino.com or contact Cynthia Fidel at (559) 252-2500 or Al O´Brien at (209) 928-9318.
