TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – One step closer to slots.
Casino Del Sol’s work on its new property on Grant Road reached a major milestone on Monday as it installed the final structural steel beam.
Many of those in attendance are excited for the future of this property because it means the creation of new jobs and the expansion of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s economic footprint in southern Arizona.
Casino Del Sol’s new property broke ground in January 2025.
It’s located off Interstate 10, and will be 172,000 square feet – featuring a 73,000 square-foot casino, dining options, and a multi-level parking garage.
Monday marked the completion of the structural build, with tribal leadership, project partners, and community members all signing the final beam before its installation.
“Just you know, a boost to the economy. A lot of excitement and fun for the community, and you know, we’re just very excited to have another casino del sol,” said Amanda Lomayesva, interim CEO of Casino Del Sol.
The build is expected to be finished by November 2026.
Lomayesva said the new casino will create 1,000 jobs and is seen as a transformative investment for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and the benefits will be far-reaching.
“It’s going to create a lot of jobs. It’s going to create economic opportunities,” Lomayesva said. “Jobs for the Pascua Yaqui Tribal members, but also for Tucson.”
Lomayesva said they have created a great working relationship with the city of Tucson to get things done, despite the land being a part of the reservation.
This is thanks in part to the late Congressman Raul Grijalva, who introduced the “Old Pascua Community Land Acquisition Act,” which was eventually signed into law in 2022.
“What we heard repeatedly from the leadership here at Pascua Yaqui, is what they want to be able to do is be safe and sustainable, and have all of this revenue, they can support their own initiatives. And that’s critical,” said Grijalva’s daughter, Adelita.
She said the project will continue to help tribal sovereignty, as the law her father pushed for directed the Department of the Interior to take tribally owned lands in Pima County into trust for the benefit of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, making it a part of the reservation, allowing gaming on those lands.“
“This is a nation-to-nation conversation, and I think that the more we can appreciate tribal sovereignty, understand it, honor it, a better community we will be,” Adelita said.
There is some concern online from members of the community about the casino, from traffic along Grant, but Lomayesva said they continue to work with partners and the community to ensure the best result possible.
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