Benzinga | Mar 2, 2021 09:06AM EST

Boyd Gaming Reports Commencement Of Construction On Its Casino Project In Elk Grove, California

Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD) and the Wilton Rancheria Tribe today announced plans to break ground on the tribe's gaming resort in Elk Grove, California, on Tuesday, March 9, with construction commencing shortly thereafter.



Located 15 miles south of downtown Sacramento, the property will be the closest casino to both Sacramento and the south Bay area upon opening. Developed and managed by Boyd Gaming on behalf of the Wilton Tribe, the casino is scheduled to open to the public in the second half of 2022. The tribe has secured full project financing from a third party.

"Today we celebrate the hard-fought determination of generations of Tribal members to create a future of dignity and self-sufficiency for Wilton Rancheria," said Wilton Tribal Chair Jesus Tarango. "This will be a transformative project that will provide resources to invest in housing, education, and healthcare for our more than 800 members, to preserve our language and culture, and to give back to the community for decades to come."

"Next week's groundbreaking will be a key milestone in Wilton Rancheria's and Boyd Gaming's shared commitment to creating an exceptional gaming experience in northern California," said Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming. "After years of planning, our focus will now turn to bringing the tribe's vision for this project to life. We look forward to a 2022 opening and providing our partners the opportunity to finally achieve their long-standing vision of self-sufficiency."

Upon opening, the casino will feature up to 2,000 slot machines, more than 80 table games and food and beverage offerings featuring local and regional brands from across Northern California.

The property was designed by Friedmutter Group, Tandem Design and Dez Motif. Construction will be led by general contractors AECOM Tishman and Yates Construction.