Sage Hill Casino grand reopening
Sho-Ban Casino Hotel gaming staff at the grand reopening ceremony of Sage Hill Casino on October 15.
By YVONNE WARJACK
Sho-Ban News
GIBSON — The Sage Hill Casino, off I-15 Exit 89 near Blackfoot, came alive with celebration on October 15, as the Shoshone Bannock Casino Hotel hosted a grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony from noon to 2 p.m.
Guests enjoyed free hot dogs and drinks, and an afternoon filled with music and a sense of renewal. Balloons framed the entryway as visitors entered. The reopening symbolized a new chapter for tribal enterprise. “We started small, but with big purpose,” said Colista Matsaw, CEO of the Shoshone Bannock Hotel and Casino. “This isn’t just about new paint or carpet. It’s about creating spaces that reflect who are as a people-our beauty, our hospitality, and our strength.”
The newly renovated casino floor at Sage Hill with patrons playing slot machine games.
Before the ribbon was cut, Sage Hill quietly reopened in a soft launch a few weeks earlier to ensure all systems worked flawlessly. “All of our machines have to talk to our online accounting system before we can operate,” Matsaw explained. “We didn’t want to announce anything until everything was running perfectly.”
The measured rollout laid the groundwork for a seamless celebration and signaled the casino’s readiness. During a four-week closure, crews overhauled every detail — new carpeting, upgrades, new ceiling tiles, and modern surveillance systems replaced the old infrastructure. The IT team installed 10-gigabyte network ports for smoother operations. The gaming floor, redesigned for comfort, now features 99 machines-down from 106-creating a more spacious layout. Popular new titles such as Devil’s Lock, Panda Blessings, and Monkey Legends have already become fan favorites.
Sho-Ban Casino Hotel CEO Colista Matsaw (left) and director of the Blackfoot Chamber of
Commerce Jamie Popejoy cut the ribbon at Sage Hill.
The Stage Hill Casino received new carpets, wall colors, and larger cage counters, while Bannock Peak Casino completed its renovation and is exploring an expansion with a potential gas station and convenience store.
“When employees feel comfortable and supported, that energy translates to our guests,” said Matsaw. Despite supply delays and contractor shortages, teamwork carried the projects forward. A new loyalty program is also underway, improving guest rewards across all properties.
The casino collaborated with the Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce, whose Director Jamie Popejoy joined Matsaw in cutting the ribbon. As guests and casino staff members filled the newly reopened casino, Matsaw reflected on what the work means. “These projects belong to all of us,” she said. “Every improvement is an investment in our people and our future.”
