The 265-member Tesuque Pueblo recently announced it will break ground in February on a new casino on tribal land adjacent to the Santa Fe Opera, one of the most famous cultural attractions in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Phase one, to be completed in fall 2018, will include 750 slots and table games plus dining options. A hotel and other resort amenities will be added later, pueblo officials said.
Charles MacKay, general director of the open-air Santa Fe Opera, which operates in the summer, said, “Our concern is simply preserving the unique setting of the opera. We treasure the acoustics of the opera and the sightlines from the theater.” MacKay said opera management and Tesuque Pueblo officials have been in discussions over the past year regarding the tribe’s plans to develop the casino on vacant land, formerly used for a flea market. He added it’s “certainly possible” the tribal casino and hotel can be built and still address the opera’s concerns. “We support their interest in economic development and hope there are ways to collaborate,” MacKay said.
Pueblo of Tesuque Development Corporation Chairman John Kubiak stated, “The Pueblo of Tesuque envisions our new casino will be timeless, inviting, and unlike any other casino in New Mexico. This development will bring fresh energy to our gaming operations with a unique look and modern amenities, all within close proximity to the Santa Fe community.”
Kubiak added the tribe’s Camel Rock Casino, located 10 miles north of the opera, will be closed since that would be more cost effective than renovating the 20-year old property. Camel Rock has been losing money since the much larger Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino at Pojoaque Pueblo opened in 2008.
Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Simon Brackley said the new Tesuque Pueblo casino will create jobs and increase tourism. “Overall, it will be a gain,” he said. He added he believes the casino and the opera “can respect each other as neighbors.”
Tesuque Pueblo is one of 14 New Mexico tribes that operate casinos under compacts and share some slot revenue with the state.
