Already home to gaming, entertainment, 18 elevated restaurants and bars, Sky River will expand to offer a hotel, day spa, pool, event space, and more
ELK GROVE, CA.: Today, Wilton Rancheria and their partner Boyd Gaming Corporation formally announced and outlined exciting expansion plans for the Sky River Casino, which first opened on August 15, 2022. Conveniently located just off Highway 99 in Elk Grove, future expansion plans for Sky River Casino include an expanded gaming floor, additional High Limit room, a 300-room state-of-the-art hotel, luxurious spa, spectacular outdoor pool, and an innovative meeting, event and entertainment space. As an architectural highlight, a dramatic hotel atrium ceiling will allow for breathtaking views of the sky above – one of many features that pay tribute to the Tribe’s close connection to nature.
With work planned to begin on a new parking structure this year, the ambitious expansion plans will roll out in two construction phases as outlined below:
Phase 1 Expansion Plans
- Multi-story, 1,600 space parking garage
- Enhanced Valet service area and new Porte Cochere
Phase 2 Expansion Plans
- 300-room state-of-the-art hotel
- Outdoor pool
- Day spa
- Multi-use event and entertainment space
- 400 additional slot gaming options
- Additional, elevated High Limit and VIP gaming area
While timing is subject to change based on construction, availability of materials, and, weather- related variables, Phase I is expected to be completed by summer 2025 and Phase 2 by early 2027.
“We are very proud of what we have created – and continue to imagine – at Sky River Casino,” said Jesus Tarango, Wilton Rancheria Chairman. “With these expansion plans now firmly in process, the future is even brighter for the Elk Grove community, greater Sacramento area, and for generations of Wilton Rancheria people, the only federally recognized Tribe in Sacramento County. I want to thank the Tribal Elders and citizens of Wilton Rancheria for their support. We would also like to gratefully acknowledge the invaluable support extended by the City of Elk Grove, Sacramento County, and our state leaders, along with the incredible reception by an amazing and welcoming Northern California community.”
Wilton Rancheria currently possesses nearly 140 acres of land, including Sky River Casino and the parcels surrounding it. This includes 77 acres of the Tribe’s traditional Rancheria land, which was recently put into federal trust with plans to develop Tribal services and preserve its great cultural legacy.
“These expansion plans for Sky River will continue to set new standards of excellence for casino experiences not only in the Sacramento area but throughout Northern California and beyond,” said Sky River Casino President Michael J. Facenda. “Once we have a world class hotel, event space and other highly desirable amenities, we will offer a destination of appeal to guests who will travel in search of elevated experiences that are highlighted by lively gaming and entertainment, amazing culinary options, upscale overnight accommodations, and relaxing environments.”
Currently, Sky River Casino employs approximately 1,600 team members (more than half of whom are Charter Team Members who have been with Sky River since before doors opened nearly two years ago). With these expansion plans, approximately 200 new job opportunities will be created to accommodate the new offerings, amenities, and experiences.
For more information about Sky River Casino and its offerings, please call 916-866-0200 or visit www.SkyRiver.com. For more information about Wilton Rancheria, please visit www.WiltonRancheria-nsn.gov.
About Sky River Casino
Sky River Casino was built by Wilton Rancheria in partnership with Boyd Gaming Corporation, which is managing the property for the tribe. The casino opened in August 2022 and includes 100,000 sq ft of gaming, 2,100 slot machines, 80 table games, and 18 elevated restaurants, bars, and lounge destinations. To learn more, visit www.SkyRiver.com.
About Wilton Rancheria
Wilton Rancheria is proud to be the Capitol Tribe with its home in Sacramento County. The Tribe’s government is divided into four separate branches: a General Council, comprised of all voting members; the Office of the Chair and Vice-Chair, which administers all Tribal departments and programs; the Tribal Council, which enacts legislation and oversees the budget; and the Tribal Court, which hears all cases and controversies under the Tribe’s jurisdiction. To learn more, visit www.WiltonRancheria-nsn.gov.
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Wilton Rancheria Backgrounder
About Us
- Wilton Rancheria, the only federally recognized tribe in Sacramento County, is proud to be California’s Capital Tribe.
- Wilton Rancheria citizens are primarily Miwok and Nisenan people, descendants of the Penutian linguistic family.
- As a federally recognized Tribe, Wilton Rancheria is a sovereign nation. This important distinction affords Tribes a Nation-to-Nation relationship with the Federal government.
History
- The ancestors of Wilton Rancheria have occupied this region since time immemorial.
- Wilton Rancheria was first established in 1928, which put 38.77 acres of land in to trust in Wilton, California.
- The Rancheria Act of 1958 terminated federal trust responsibilities to 41 California Indian Tribes, including Wilton Rancheria. As a result, the Tribe lost its Federal Recognition in 1964.
- Following a hard-fought legal battle led by Tribal Elders, the Tribe’s federal status was restored on June 8, 2009. The Tribe recognizes this date as an annual holiday.
- In November 2011, the Tribe adopted its modern Constitution, and has worked diligently to implement and develop its Tribal government.
Present
- Wilton Rancheria currently has over 1000 citizens, with 62% of the Tribe living in Sacramento County.
- 40% of citizens are under 18 years old, and 60% of Tribal youth attend the Elk Grove Unified School District.
- The Tribe’s government is divided into four separate branches: a General Council, comprised of all voting citizens; the Office of the Chair and Vice-Chair, which administers all Tribal departments and programs; the Tribal Council, which enacts legislation and oversees the budget; and the Tribal Court, which hears all cases and controversies under the Tribe’s jurisdiction.
- After placing 36 acres of land into trust in 2017, Wilton Rancheria proudly opened Sky River Casino in August 2022. The Casino currently employs over 1600 people and has become one of the largest economic drivers in the region.
Contact
- For more information on Wilton Rancheria, you can visit www.wiltonrancheria-nsn.gov or email media@wiltonrancheria-nsn.gov.
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“Project Eagle” Expansion Announcement Event Speaker Bios
Chairman Jesus G. Tarango Jr. was born and raised in Sacramento, California, his traditional homeland as a Miwok / Nisenan tribal member. Jesus’ political career took hold in 2016 when he was first elected to Wilton’s Tribal Council, where he swiftly made a name for himself as an unbiased and for the people council member. His demand for transparency earned him the position of Tribal Council Spokesperson only months after being elected, which followed with his election to Vice-Chairman in 2018. Only 2 years later would he win Wilton’s tribal election as the youngest appointed Chairman.
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Vice-Chairwoman Raquel Williams’ political career took hold in 2020 when elected to Wilton Rancheria’s Tribal Council followed by being elected as Vice-Chairwoman in 2022. She has been involved in her culture, ceremonies, and celebrations from a young age. Her love for her family, people, and culture is evident in all aspects of her life. Vice-Chairwoman Williams believes “We are people of language, ceremony, traditional arts, and hard work. It is crucial that as Tribal people we honor where we come from, so ultimately, we have a clear vision of where we are going!”
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As President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming Corporation, Keith Smith leads one of the largest and most successful casino entertainment companies in the United States.
An industry veteran with more than 30 years of gaming experience, Smith first joined Boyd Gaming Corporation in 1990. He was promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations in 1998, Chief Operating Officer in 2001 and President in 2005. In January 2008, Smith was named Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming. Smith has also been a member of the Company’s Board of Directors since April 2005.
As CEO, Smith successfully navigated Boyd Gaming through the global financial crisis and its aftermath before leading the Company through a period of rapid growth and diversification. During this period, Smith significantly strengthened the Company’s balance sheet and positioned the Company for growth through successful acquisitions.
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Michael Facenda was named President of Sky River Casino in 2023. Joined with 35+ years of experience in the gaming industry with an extensive background in Operations and Marketing, he has held numerous leadership positions in the gaming industry including Assistant General Manager, Vice President & General Manager, and most recently as Senior Vice President & General Manager of Agua Caliente’s Cathedral City property in Southern California. Facenda was also a member of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa development and opening team in Atlantic City.
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