Premier gaming and entertainment destination ilani will open its doors to the public on April 24th at 10:00 a.m. Developed by Salishan-Mohegan LLC in collaboration with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, construction of ilani began September 2015. The $510 million complex combines casino games, dining, shopping and live performances in 368,000 square feet of space designed to project the culture of the Northwest and pay tribute to the heritage of the Cowlitz Tribe.
“We are extremely pleased to open the doors to ilani and provide the local community with a source for economic growth,” said Bill Iyall, chairman of the Cowlitz Tribe. “Our destination is expected to attract over 4.5 million visitors a year, and we feel certain that local businesses will benefit from increased visitation to the area.”
More than a quarter of the new complex is dedicated to gaming. Visitors can try their luck at any of 2,500 slot machines or 75 table games, including blackjack, roulette, midi baccarat, craps and pai gow poker. A 2,500-seat meeting and performance venue will host national acts when it opens later this year.
“This is the culmination of a pledge to The Cowlitz Indian tribe by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (MTGA), and it represents an enormous accomplishment by the dedicated teams of both organizations and all our talented construction partners,” said Mitchell Grossinger Etess, chief executive officer for MTGA.
“We are thrilled to welcome the community to an exciting new entertainment destination that is ilani,” said Kara Fox-LaRose, president and general manager of ilani. “In addition to a variety of gaming and entertainment options, we’ve
assembled a fine collection of restaurants, bars and retail establishments to provide a fabulous experience for our guests at every turn. We have hired and trained more than 1,000 people to staff ilani, and they are ready to embrace the obvious enthusiasm and anticipation for this project around the Southwest Washington and greater Portland areas.”
Guests of ilani have multiple options for refueling between games and shows, with 15 different restaurants, bars and retail outlets. The property has attracted the likes of Michael Jordan’s Steak House for elevated comfort food; Rose & Thorn, serving handcrafted cocktails and upscale international street food; Longhouse, a raw bar, sushi and noodle shop; and Line & Lure Seafood Kitchen and Tap, showcasing the best from local waters.
Additionally, ilani offers guests an opportunity to splurge with their winnings at select retailers. Marshall Rousso features women’s fashions, from casual to evening wear, while Ruby Blue carries accessories, handbags, jewelry and gift items. The Cowlitz Trading Post stocks ilani merchandise, gaming gifts and an assortment of other items.
ilani is located on 156 acres of Cowlitz tribe reservation land along Interstate 5, just 16 miles north of Vancouver, Washington. The Cowlitz tribe, with ancestral ties to Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis and parts of Pierce, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties, is a significant employer and contributor to Southwest Washington communities.
ilani, designed by the Friedmutter Group, incorporates high-quality aesthetics and Pacific Northwest elements – including plentiful wood, stone and glass – while ensuring stunning views.
ilani is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. It is easily accessible from Interstate 5 at exit 16.
This opening date is pending the receipt of all approvals by the Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Commission and Washington State Gaming Commission.