The recession has not stopped Sandia Pueblo near Albuquerque, New Mexico from investing in a major renovation, its biggest construction project since building a casino in 2005. Current activities include remodeling the casino, building new tribal offices and adding new infrastructure projects and roads.
Sandia Governor Stuart Paisano said, “Gaming has leveled out. We’re not seeing the growth we’d like, or that we’re used to. It’s the economy, job loss and the lack of growth. People are becoming more conscientious with their money. We’re seeing the effects of it. But now we’ve had to go into a competitive mode with our neighbors Laguna Pueblo and Isleta Pueblo. We’re all competing for the same customer.”
Paisano said the new casino will have a huge covered parking garage, new gaming spaces including a second-floor poker room, a 12,000 square foot spa and a new event space adjoining the golf course for weddings and parties.
Paisano noted although the state has reported higher tourism numbers, Sandia’s increases have been from in-state visitors. But the current facilities cannot accommodate everyone, he said. The spa is at capacity. The golf course has 30 tournaments booked for the next 12 months. The amphitheater is booked most nights. And the hotel’s rooms are sold out most weekends. “It’s time to expand,” Paisano said.
“We basically, as a council, made the decision to enhance that customer service. We were hoping that the New Mexico’s economy would have climbed out. But New Mexicans still want a vacation and still want to have fun. The council’s philosophy now is to provide diversity at one location.” Paisano added, “We’re looking forward for when the economy does rebound. It’s reinventing ourselves. We want to be a destination.”
