Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino complex breaks ground at new entertainment site

The entertainment center, expected to be completed by September 2018 will feature a state-of-the art 27,309-foot eight screen movie theater, a modern 30-lane bowling alley, and an arcade and billiards room. Included in the plan are a 15,294-square foot concourse, bar, and concessions area.

Spiritual leader (L to R) Mike Sisco, Tribal Chairman Ruben Barrios and Vice Chairman Elmer Thomas prepare for Thursday's groundbreaking.

“We are excited to be adding, even more, amenities to the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino,” said Ruben Barrios, the Tachi Yokut Tribal chairman. “With the addition of the entertainment complex, this will be a true family-friendly place for everyone to enjoy.”

Currently, the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino is home to 2,000 gaming machines, 24 table games, 255 guest rooms, a spa, five restaurants and 6,000 feet of meeting space. The Palace employs 1,200 persons.

The hotel and casino are owned and operated by the Tachi-Yokut Tribe, a native population in the San Joaquin Valley. “The reason for this is to give our children on the reservation something to do other than running the streets,” added Barrios. “No other casino in the area has this. It’s open to the public.”

Lemoore City Councilmember Eddie Neal was on hand to welcome the new complex. Following opening remarks and lunch, Tribal leaders and other officials broke ground for the new entertainment complex adjacent to the casino.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for the Palace because it reaches people in Stratford and people along the county lines,” said Neal.  “I hope it works hand in hand with the city of Lemoore and if we can do that, it’s a great tribute to what they’re doing. “

Santa Rosa Rancheria Cultural Specialist Joe Contreras, a former Lemoore High School Student Body officer, looks forward to the new entertainment facility having a positive impact on the area. “It’s something positive,” he said.  “It’s something for our future and something to look forward to. Gaming is iffy, and we don’t know really what it entails for the future, but this gives us another venue at economic development, and we look forward to developing, even more, establishments in our community and the surrounding communities.”