Sky River, which opened less than two years ago, announced ambitious plans to expand with a new hotel, amenities and attractions in hopes of bringing more of the Capital Region’s gambling dollars to Elk Grove.
During a press conference Friday outside the $400 million, 100,000-square-foot facility set to open in August 2022, casino officials and members of the Wilton Rancheria tribe unveiled plans for a 300-room hotel, expanded gaming space, a day spa along with an outdoor pool and a new restaurant and bar.
The grand plans, the costs of which have not been disclosed, are expected to be completed in the summer of 2027.
But first, officials will build a 1,600-space parking garage, as well as a new grand entrance to the casino off Highway 99 with a porte-cochère, a lavish covered entrance and a glass atrium with enhanced valet parking. These additions will take place as early as the summer of 2025.
“Our guests will continue to get what we are known for: the Sky River Casino experience,” Michael Facenda, president and general manager of the casino, told the 100 attendees at their outdoor ceremony, which featured native prayers, singing and dancing. “We are poised to become California’s ultimate casino destination.”
Sky River’s plans double the number of attractions and accommodations amid a battle with other casinos vying for dominance in the capital region. Thunder Valley Casino near Rocklin, for example, recently opened The Venue, a 4,500-seat entertainment space, just as Red Hawk Casino outside Shingle Springs unveiled its Apex family entertainment center and Cache Creek Casino in western Yolo County continued to draw visitors with its hotel and golf course.
Plans for Sky River’s expansion have been rumored for months.
In a call with investors in February, Sky River casino operator Boyd Gaming said the Elk Grove destination was one of the strongest properties in its portfolio. Officials said it collected $76.9 million in management fees, a fraction of what the gaming tables brought in during their first full year of operation.
Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith said they plan to “significantly expand and enhance” the experience at Sky River to position the casino as a unique regional retreat.
That includes the state-of-the-art hotel, which will feature outdoor pools, a day spa, a 20,000-square-foot banquet space for meetings and events, as well as a full-service restaurant and lobby bar – bringing the number of restaurants, bars and lounges to 19.
“These expansion plans for Sky River will continue to set new standards for excellence,” said Facenda. “Once we have a world-class hotel, event space and other highly desirable amenities, we will provide an attractive destination for guests who travel in search of elevated experiences.”
The gaming floor of 2,100 slot machines and 80 table games will also be expanded with another 400 slot machines and an additional high-limit gaming room and VIP area.
“We will improve our parking options, expand our gaming options and introduce even more food and beverage options for the first time,” Smith said. “Through this expansion, we will give people across Northern California a new reason to visit and we will give our existing customers new reasons to come back day after day and week after week.”
Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango said the new development is about laying a foundation for a future of new possibilities for the tribe and the entire region.
Officials say as many as 200 new positions will be created once the new facilities open in two years. That would bring the total number of jobs at the site to 1,800 – third in the city, behind only the Elk Grove Unified School District (6,679) and Apple (about 5,000).
“This project will create more jobs, boost local businesses and contribute to the overall economic health of our region,” Tarango said. “This is an important act that symbolizes our presence, our commitment and resilience to ourselves and our community. The expansion of Sky River reflects these values.”
Tarango added that he was optimistic about the opportunities the expansion would bring to his tribe.
“Today will secure a bright future for Wilton Rancheria. It represents our commitment to restoring our cultural heritage and leaving a legacy of opportunity and prosperity for future generations,” Tarango said.
The announcement of their expansion came the day before the tribe celebrated its 15th anniversary of federal recognition, the only tribe in Sacramento County. The Wilton band also celebrated the protection of 77 acres of land the tribe reclaimed last month, as well as the acquisition of 30 acres along the Lent Ranch and Promenade parkways. The expansion also comes as the Sacramento Zoo prepared to become its neighbor after the Elk Grove City Council approved construction of a new $302 million facility at Kammerer Road and Lotz Parkway, less than two miles west of Sky River.
“We are very proud of what we have created – and continue to envision – at Sky River Casino,” Tarango said. “With these expansion plans firmly underway, the future looks even brighter for the Elk Grove community, the greater Sacramento area and for generations of Wilton Rancheria people.”
