Battle Creek, Mich. — FireKeepers Casino Hotel, and its owners, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, today celebrated expansion progress in multiple exciting ways. Construction on a second hotel tower reached the Topping Off point and was recognized with a traditional tribal ceremony. Moments later, officials moved inside the casino and cut a ribbon to mark the Grand Opening of Dacey’s Sportsbook, the first tribally-owned casino sportsbook to open in Michigan.
“Today marked another significant step forward in FireKeepers history,” stated FireKeepers CEO, Kathy George. “Two memorable events in the same day reflects the great leadership of the tribe and their focus and support, maintaining FireKeepers position as a top regional U.S. gaming destination.”
“FireKeepers guests now have the ability to bet on the biggest sporting events worldwide at Dacey’s Sportsbook, located in a restaurant and bar featuring the great food and craft beers Dacey’s Taphouse is known for,” stated Jim Wise, Vice President of Marketing & Sports/Online Gaming. Several major big screens now fill Dacey’s Sportsbook & Taphouse, creating an unmatched environment to watch the biggest games, the dramatic finishes and the potential for exciting wins. Live wagering windows and self-service betting kiosks will also be available at Dacey’s. FireKeepers has partnered with SG Digital to provide on property sports betting and, eventually iGaming.
The new eight-story, 203 room second hotel tower, designed by JCJ Architecture and built by Clark Construction Company of Lansing, MI, is in alignment with FireKeepers’ existing standards of excellence, as the current hotel has been recognized as a AAA Four Diamond award winner for the past five consecutive years. The new hotel rooms will feature upscale built-in décor matched with the latest in guest service technology.
“JCJ Architecture is honored to be a part of this important expansion project at FireKeepers Casino Hotel. It’s exciting to see the progress since we assembled here to celebrate the initial groundbreaking almost exactly one year ago,” says Danae Tinsley, an Associate and Project Manager of JCJ Architecture. “Despite recent challenges related to the global pandemic, the team has persevered, and is determined to push through to the end. Today, we are looking at a beautiful, eight story building, and JCJ is proud to be a member of this resilient team of professionals, driving this project to fruition. ”
The expansion will result in an additional 203 hotel rooms, including fourteen suites, plus a transformed hotel lobby area, a new Nibi signature restaurant, new high limit slot and table game areas and a new VIP slot and table gaming space and VIP lounge. The welcoming 39,000 square foot first level will deliver a vibrant new lobby bar and front desk while increasing the focus on the main pillars which represent the Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi: Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility, and Wisdom.
FireKeepers signature restaurant, Nibi, one of Michigan’s finest dining experiences, will enjoy a new location with seating for approximately 125, and an interior that retains a focus on the tribal namesake, water, plus a new fire feature. Nibi will also feature expanded wine storage and presentation, and a private dining area for up to 20, perfect for special parties or small business meetings.
The construction project also redesigns a section of FireKeepers existing gaming space. When complete, there will be new High Limit Gaming sections for slots and table games, plus a new bar and VIP lounge for select Red Hot Rewards Club members.
###
FireKeepers Casino Hotel, located just off Interstate 94 at Exit 104 in Battle Creek, MI, has been named Best Casino by audiences in Western Michigan and Northern Indiana, plus earned multiple awards in the Casino Player Magazine Best of Gaming 2019 Native Midwest category, including Best Casino. FireKeepers was recognized as 2019 Employer of the Year by Michigan Works! Association and was also selected as one of the Best Casinos to Work For by Casino Player Magazine. FireKeepers’ signature restaurant, Nibi, is a multiple recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The property features 2,900 slot machines, 70 table games, a live poker room, and bingo room. FireKeepers offers a AAA-rated Four Diamond resort-style hotel with 243 rooms, a functional multi-purpose event center, six distinctive dining destinations, and multiple lounges. Driven by high demand, construction on a second hotel tower is underway and expected to be complete in early 2021. FireKeepers is the title sponsor of the FireKeepers Casino 400, a NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway, and a host of the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship a Symetra Tour-Road to the LPGA golf event. For more information, visit www.firekeeperscasino.com.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel is owned and operated by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.
JCJ Architecture is a 100% employee-owned, architecture, planning and interior design firm, which has been in continuous operation since 1936. JCJ’s professionals serve clients across the nation and the globe from offices in Hartford, Boston, Las Vegas, New York, Phoenix, San Diego and Tulsa. The firm has built a successful practice by integrating rigorous management with the highest standards of design and client service. JCJ is proud to have created buildings and environments of exceptional quality and to have contributed to making many communities better places to live, work, learn and play. JCJ Architecture has been immersed in the gaming and hospitality marketplace for decades, designing some of the most notable and profitable properties in the industry. For more information, visit www.jcj.com.
Well known throughout Michigan for more than 70 years, Clark Construction Company is a full-scale commercial construction firm with a reputation for quality. They have expanded into many market segments around the State of Michigan, and continue to be on the cutting edge of their industry. Due in part to their dedication to safety, community, and teamwork, Clark continues to grow as a leading provider in the field. Clark’s mission statement: We Build on a Foundation of Trust.
