This summer has special meaning to many members of the Gila River Indian Community—that’s because Gila River Hotels & Casinos will kick off its 25th Anniversary with a series of special events and promotions over the next six months. This celebration will culminate with a massive party and concert on New Year’s Eve at Gila River Hotels & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass.
“Looking back, it’s remarkable how our community has grown,” says Kenneth Manuel, CEO of Gila River Hotels & Casinos. “When our first casino, Lone Butte, opened in 1994, it was just a modest building. Now, we have three spectacular properties that we’re very proud of: Gila River Hotels & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass and Lone Butte are both in Chandler, and Gila River Hotels & Casinos – Vee Quiva is in Laveen.”
Kenneth credits the enormous growth of Gila River Hotels & Casinos to his tribe’s culture of collaboration.
“Many people don’t realize that our community is an alliance of two tribes, the Akimel O’otham and Pee-Posh, also known as Pima and Maricopa,” he says, adding that the Gila River Indian Community was established in 1859. “Now we are the largest indigenous population in the Phoenix metropolitan area, with our borders expanding more than 600 square miles from Phoenix to Florence.”
Early on, tribal leaders recognized the importance of collaborating with others outside of their community.
“Much of our success can be credited to our strong relationships with local and national business and civic leaders,” he says. “From an industry standpoint, our two hotels at Wild Horse Pass and Vee Quiva provide first-rate service and accommodations. Our dining facilities at all three properties have received many accolades, and we’re constantly upgrading our technology to bring the most exciting gaming opportunities to our casinos.”
Giving back to the community is also a priority.
“We’re proud of our Gila River Cares program, which supports local non-profits with grants throughout the year,” he says. “In addition, through our partnerships with the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Coyotes, we are able to provide unique and once-in-a-lifetime experiences to children in the community which has a profound impact on not just their lives, but their families as well.”
Highlights for summer include staycation deals, an Independence Day weekend of fun, giveaways and fireworks, and an exciting line-up of entertainment.
To book a staycation, reserve tickets to a show or learn more, visit PlayAtGila.com.
