At 10 a.m. local time December 5, the $780 million Durango Casino & Resort opened its doors for the first time after 19 months of planning and development.
The off-Strip resort, located along the I-215 Beltway, will cater primarily to the locals market, as is usually the case for properties operated by parent company Red Rock Resorts. The company has vowed to double its Las Vegas portfolio by 2030, with Durango being a key piece of that plan.
At the opening ceremony, Red Rock Chairman and CEO Frank Fertitta as well as Vice Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta did the honors by cutting the honorary ribbon, inviting guests into the property for the first time. The company had previously set an opening date of November 20, which was then extended to December 5 due to last-minute preparations.
Overall, the property boasts 83,000 square feet of gaming space with 2,300 slots and 63 tables, a 10,000-square-foot STN Sportsbook, 200 guest rooms, convention and meeting areas, a pool and several dining options, including a “Hall of Foods” food court and several sit-down restaurants.
Additionally, the property also has free parking, which will likely be a hit among locals who have bristled at paid parking for most Strip resorts.
“Our dedicated team at Durango Casino & Resort has worked diligently, with a steadfast focus on creating an exceptional destination that embodies the essence of Station Casinos’ renowned hospitality,” Durango’s Vice President and General Manager David Horn said in a statement.
“We are eager to extend this warm hospitality to the Las Vegas community, recognizing the vibrant and diverse tapestry that makes this city truly unique. Our aim is to be more than just a place to stay or play; we want to be an integral part of the community, a place where residents and visitors alike can find a sense of comfort, enjoyment, and entertainment.”
Red Rock has become famous for its unique development strategy, of which Durango is the latest example—the company is very active in real estate, often buying large tracts of land in underdeveloped areas and holding them in the event that future growth might make the plots more attractive for a potential resort.
GMA Consulting Founding Partner Josh Swissman told CDC Gaming Reports that based on population growth and a lack of nearby competition, Durango’s location is “the prime target for (Red Rock) to open a new facility.”
“I think that’s going to be very accretive to their portfolio,” Swissman said. “ It’s serving part of the valley that’s underserved in terms of having a locals’ casino.”
As of now, the closest competing casinos to Durango are the Orleans, which is approximately seven miles away, and the Silverton Casino, which is roughly eight miles.
Horn, who has been at Red Rock for nearly 30 years, told CDC that the feeling of opening the doors to the new property was “surreal,” and said that Durango is “the next generation of what that luxe property should be for the company given Green Valley was 22 years ago and Red Rock was 17 years ago.”
Now that Durango is open, Red Rock is expected to shift its focus to a similar locals resort project in the upscale Inspirada neighborhood in nearby Henderson.
