The Tulalip Tribes of Washington last week broke ground on a $140 million replacement for the Quil Ceda Creek Casino, nicknamed QCC2. It is scheduled for completion in 2019.
About 200 dignitaries and VIPs attended the ceremony, where Teresa Jira, executive vice president, declared “We believe this is going to be the best casino hotel property in the Northwest.”
The event included a performance by the Tulalip drummers and singers, and a blessing by Tulalip tribal elders.
The new 120,000 square foot casino will be built on 15 acres. It will have 1,500 slots and added gaming tables, dining, a 150-room hotel and 1,200 space parking structure. Currently the two casinos and bingo hall the tribe operates employ 2,400. Even more will be added for the new facility.
The tribe began its venture in gaming with a bingo hall that opened in 1983. In 1993 the tribe signed the first state tribal gaming compact that allowed it to have Las Vegas style gaming.
In 2004 the tribe opened the Tulalip Resort Casino, and added a 12-story hotel four years later at Quil Ceda Village. The ultimate plan for a larger Quil Ceda Creek Casino was always waiting in the wings. The casino was too small, and the tribe judged that revenue would increase until the casino grew.
Nevertheless, QCC2 will only be about two-thirds of the size of the tribe’s largest casino, the Tulalip Casino.
