Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel has soft opening

Shoshone-Bannock Casino new entrance.

By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The new Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel had its soft opening February 5 as employees continued to move the machines to the floor from the old location.

Casino Chief Executive office Pamela Gallegos said they opened with 167 machines and everyday they will add machines as they are tested and powered up. Food venues will open on February 13 for the official welcome ceremony and ribbon cutting. New dining includes the Painted Horse Buffet, Deka Gahni Grill, the Sweet Grass Coffee Bean, a new Bingo Hall and the existing Camas Sports Grill. The Stampede Lounge is also new.

Dining area at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino.

On the official opening day February 13, Shoshone-Bannock tribal members 18 years of age and up will receive a special swag bag from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Bingo Hall. Tribal members must show their tribal identification card and must pick up in person to receive it.

At the opening ceremony tribal leaders will speak, along with project team members. An honor song will be sung and traditional dancing will be featured. A ribbon cutting will follow.

Shoshone-Bannock Casino new bingo hall.

On Saturday, February 23, a grand opening celebration is scheduled when multiple promotions, activities, entertainment and giveaways will occur. Hot seat drawings are from noon to 4 p.m., along with kiosk drawings from 8 to 10 p.m. Entertainment includes Rat Pack Tribute from Las Vegas with doors open at 4 p.m. and the show starting at 5 p.m. at the Chiefs Events Center.

Lighting fixtures modeled after hand drums in the Painted Horse Buffet.