Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain, located around 30 miles north of California's capital, is poised for a massive expansion that tribal property officials claim will “change the entire area.”
The Enterprise Rancheria of Estom Yumeka Maidu owns the property, while Hard Rock manages it through an agreement with the federally recognized tribe. Recently, the partners revealed their intention to significantly enhance the offerings at the integrated resort in Wheaton, Calif., which opened in 2019 and experienced a $75 million expansion in 2022.
Hard Rock and Enterprise Rancheria's upcoming move in Yuba County involves acquiring approximately 350 acres of vacant land located between the casino resort and the Toyota Amphitheater along Forty Mile Road. The goal is to capitalize on the property's classification as a sports and entertainment area with an investment anticipated to be between $2 billion and $4 billion.
Hard Rock Sacramento Project Information
In November of last year, the Enterprise Rancheria reached an agreement to buy the 350 acres. With the support of Hard Rock, the Hard Rock Sacramento associates aim to build an entertainment and sports district.
The initial stage encompasses a shopping and dining walkway that features elements such as dancing fountains, engaging indoor-outdoor designs, live music, and pathways for walking. The next stage focuses on sports featuring both indoor and outdoor venues, a water park, more hotels, and potentially a stadium suitable for college or professional events. The concluding stage will focus on agriculture, providing space for farming exhibitions and educational programs related to livestock.
The three stages might require ten years for construction. Construction is set to start in early 2026. In contrast to the Hard Rock Sacramento casino and resort, the sports and entertainment district will function as a business, thus paying standard sales and property taxes to both the state and county.
“It will bring thousands of jobs and enhance the quality of life for existing residents by increasing local dining, entertainment, and retail options,” said District 4 Yuba County Supervisor Gary Bradford. “In addition, it will increase tax revenue and attract millions of people to Yuba County to visit the destination.”
Distinguishing Yourself in a Saturated Market
California's casinos are restricted to tribal territories, enabling the many federally recognized Native American communities in the state to thrive.
California casinos generate approximately $20 billion each year in revenue and provide around 185,000 jobs.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) reports that 62 tribes in California run 65 casinos. Thanks to advantageous tax rates via their Class III gaming compacts, the tribes are able to reinvest in their establishments. The Enterprise Rancheria, on the other hand, is initiating a distinctive project that is expected to differentiate itself in California’s competitive tribal gaming sector.
"We’re not just talking about growing a casino. This is a long-term master plan that will transform the entire region,” said Hard Rock Sacramento President Mark Birtha.
Birtha stated that the $2 billion to $4 billion project will represent “a unique expansion of lifestyle, sports, and entertainment facilities.”
The Hard Rock Sacramento casino floor currently features 1,400 slot machines and 50 live dealer tables. The hotel on the premises features 169 rooms.
