The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, owners of Foxwoods Resort Casino and LionGrove LLC, which is a private equity firm, have partnered to reopen the El San Juan Casino in Puerto Rico as the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino.
In addition, they will reopen the Tropicoro stage and begin holding shows again. Over the years the Tropicoro hosted legends such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Liza Minnelli and Paul Anka.
LionGrove has invested $12.5 million to renovate the iconic Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, as part of a total of $137.5 million in resort improvements. The developer says this will generate about $122 million in economic impact and create 360 new jobs.
The hotel was built in 1958 by the now defunct Pan American Airlines and became renowned as a luxury casino destination with classic European style, “with the Latin passion music and dancing, culture, and lifestyle of Puerto Rico,” according to LionGrove founder and CEO Andro Nodarse-León. It was a resort in the tradition of Cuba before the revolution.
The 15,000 square foot casino with 15 gaming tables and 300 slot machines, will be located in the beachfront.
During a press conference to announce these changes, Pequot Tribal Chairman Rodney Butler stated, “Our success and experience with operating Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut will allow us to effectively expand our footprint and bring award-winning gaming experiences to Puerto Rico.” He added, “We’re teaming up with one of the most sophisticated players in the market. Bringing together our resort experience and expertise with Fairmont El San Juan’s renowned brand, we believe we can bring real economic and employment growth to Puerto Rico. In addition to offering guests a one-of-a-kind luxury resort destination, the development will bring revenue, value and tourism to the area.”
Nodarse-León added, “Since acquiring El San Juan Hotel in 2015, we have been zealously committed stewards of this world-renowned luxury lifestyle hospitality landmark. We completed a $65 million renovation of El San Juan Hotel in 2017 and subsequently, following Hurricane Maria, a $60 million restoration that led to its rebranding as the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel in January of 2020. Currently, the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is more accommodating and exciting than ever, and with this great partnership, we are bringing one of the strongest casino brands in the world to Puerto Rico with plans to launch the most exciting and innovative casino on the island at Puerto Rico’s most legendary address.”
Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi said, “I am incredibly pleased with the reopening of El San Juan Casino which will result in the creation of hundreds of jobs. The tourism sector represents a great opportunity for our economic development and my commitment is to enhance it.”
Noting that the Covid-19 pandemic has harmed tourism, but that medical advancements, including vaccines, will eventually cure the disease, Pierluisi added, “[W]e are preparing so that Puerto Rico can receive visitors and safely enjoy all that our beautiful island has to offer! I am confident the coming months will be crucial, and we will position ourselves positively to resume tourism activity.”
Ever since the financial crisis and Great Recession of 2008, Foxwoods has been looking for ways to expand. The Puerto Rico casino will be its first venture beyond the continental United States.
Butler explained, “It checked so many boxes for us that we were excited to be a part of it.” Butler’s wife is from Puerto Rico and during the press conference he spoke of cultural connections between the island and Pequot cultures. He presented a story blanket recounting the history of the tribe to the governor.
The project presents an opportunity for cross-marketing with the Foxwoods property in Connecticut, said Butler, and encouraging visitors to the Puerto Rico casino to check out the original. “It drives more people to the property back in Connecticut, which helps us through a revenue and bonding perspective,” he said.
