Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Chairman Greg Sarris signs the beam prior to lift off. Photos by Joseph Peralta/AJ Press
ROHNERT PARK – Graton Resort & Casino (GRC) celebrated an important construction milestone for its 179,620 square foot casino expansion project on Wednesday, March 26.
Construction crew members, GRC team members and executives, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria tribal members, media and friends witnessed the raising of the final beam and cheered as it was lowered into place. Following construction tradition, attendees signed the beam at the start of the festivities.
The casino expansion is just part of a $1B project that will expand the footprint of the property located in Rohnert Park, CA. A state-of-the-art solar powered parking garage is already operational. The casino floor expansion will feature a brand-new poker room, rooftop restaurant, sports bar and high-limit room. The additional square footage will increase the amount of smokeless gaming available to guests and is slated to open early 2026. A new hotel tower will break ground in June, doubling lodging onsite. Following that, an amphitheater and expanded pool area – including an adults-only pool with a walk-up bar – will start construction.
Additionally, there will be retail stores in the expanded area.
In his remarks, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Chairman Greg Sarris revealed that Graton Resort Casino will become the largest employer in Sonoma County as it is slated to add more than 600 new jobs when the expansion is completed.
Dignity in the workplace, said Sarris, is an important component of working at Graton, where employees have excellent wages and are afforded the Kaiser Gold Cadillac plan – just two of the many reasons why Graton employees enjoy working at the property.
According to Sarris, through the years their tribe has shown resilience and a willingness for cooperation.
“As American Indians who have suffered quite a bit of historic tragedy in this county, I think my people have shown that we can work with others, that we can rise above the worst of situations and set a good example about how to create a business that benefits all, Indian and non-Indian alike. And a business that practices in every way what our ancestors thought were so important – that people are taken care of, and that people could have work and peace in their lives,” Sarris stated.
Sarris also said that Graton is committed to working with the city and county in whatever capacity they can. To date, Graton has contributed about $245 million to the two local governments. This is in addition to some $115 million that Graton has given out in charitable giving in the area, including for programs that advocate for social justice and environmental stewardship.
Sarris divulged to attendees that Graton has in the last 10 years recouped, in cooperation with others, over 100,000 acres of the tribe’s aboriginal landscape to take care of, has entered into co-management agreements with different entities, and just recently purchased 40 acres slated for organic farming that will supply the resort-casino’s needs and the tribe’s needs, supply high-end restaurants’ needs in Sonoma County, and also be able to sell the produce at cost in low-income neighborhoods.
Sarris also took time to thank all the tribal leaders, construction crew and Graton team members for all the hard work they have done to ensure that everything runs smoothly, both in the resort/casino grounds and in the construction areas.
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“We are moving forward, again in the spirit of our ancestors, that is to take care of ourselves and one another and the land… the casino expansion and all that we’ve worked work and the support that all of you have given, whatever part you’ve played here, helps that mission become, and continued to be, accomplished. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you and welcome,” Sarris concluded.
Graton Resort & Casino, located in Rohnert Park, California, is a premier destination for entertainment, dining and gaming in Northern California. Boasting a luxurious atmosphere and world-class amenities, Graton Resort & Casino offers guests an unparalleled experience with its diverse selection of restaurants, bars, gaming options and live entertainment venues. From thrilling gaming action to upscale dining and relaxing spa treatments, Graton Resort & Casino provides an all-encompassing retreat for visitors seeking excitement and relaxation. Resort access is limited to guests aged 21 or older. For more information, visit www.gratonresortcasino.com.
