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(Eagle Mountain Casino, Porterville, Ca 93257) – Eagle Mountain Casino’s New Property Project and Relocation were named the top tribal project for 2022 by Tribal Government Gaming.
The New Property Relocation for Eagle Mountain Casino, designed by HBG, was named one of the Top Tribal Projects for 2022. The maturation of tribal gaming means constant change. Sometimes it’s a move of location; other times, it’s enhancing what you already have. The tribal casinos that qualified this year indicate the changes in gaming overall. Legalizing sports betting and its introduction to existing tribal casinos have meant some creative use of existing spaces. The addition of amenities like hotel rooms and suites, high-class restaurants, spas and pools, and more have given tribal casinos more of a resort feel, allowing them to compete for new customers whose entertainment wallets are ever-evolving. Congratulations to all the designers, thought leaders, and tribal gaming operators who envisioned these amazing changes.
“Location, location, location,” says Joe Baruffaldi, AIA, principal/project manager at HBG Design and the leader of HBG Design’s San Diego Office. “HBG Design’s client, the Tule River Tribe in California, are relying on their relocation to a high-visibility property in order to up their game and cement their reputation as a significant competitor in their regional gaming market just southeast of Fresno. “The relocation of the casino from the reservation to a higher-traffic, higher-visibility area in Porterville, California creates a more conveniently accessible entertainment experience for their local customers, he says. It also opens new opportunities to capture destination traffic and overnight guests traveling between Fresno and Bakersfield.
The new 105,000 square-foot casino property will offer 1,750 slots, 20 table games, and a choice of four dining options, including a steakhouse, diner, café, and sports bar and grill. A 2,000-seat event center and a 125-room hotel also will be added. According to Baruffaldi, designers merged storytelling concepts based on significant Tule River tribal cultural elements with amenities and distinctive venues designed specifically for the Porterville gaming customer. Key design concepts are rooted in the land and agrarian context of Tulare County and central California. The design is heavily influenced by a lodge aesthetic with wood and stone structural expressions. Inside, guests will experience an abstract depiction of the Tule River Tribe’s native traditions through art, patterns, and imagery.
Soaring vertical features will recall the majesty of the giant sequoia and the golden eagle, each an important representation of tribal culture. Flowing forms will recall the winding Tule River and organic curves of nature. HBG’s design of the Eagle Mountain Casino feels connected to the woodland. Natural materials and colors help bring a sense of comfort to guests arriving at the property for an overall relaxed and welcoming experience.
Currently, Eagle Mountain Casino is located 17 miles east of Porterville and is a full-service casino owned and operated by the Tule River Tribe. Guests must be 18 years of age to enter. The casino is open 24/7. The Grizzly Food court is open 24/7, and the River Steakhouse is open Friday – Sunday from 5pm – 10pm. Eagle Mountain Casino is a short drive from Bakersfield or Visalia.
The new casino property is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2022, off Highway 65 in Porterville, CA, next to the Porterville Fair Grounds. The new property will double in size growing to over 100,000 square feet, featuring new dining options, 1750 slot machines, 20 table games, and a state-of-the-art event center.
