Casino Del Sol Announces Marcelino Flores for Vahi Taa'am
Tucson, Arizona — July 8, 2026
Casino Del Sol and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe announced today that Marcelino C. Flores III, a Yaqui artist recognized for his contemporary interpretations of Yoeme symbolism, has been commissioned to create new cultural artwork for Casino Del Sol, Vahi Taa'am. The new installation will become a signature interior feature of the Tribe'supcoming casino project in Tucson.
Tribal leaders said the commission is part of a broader effort to ensure that Yaqui artists and cultural voices are represented throughout Vahi Taa'am, a property designed to reflect Pascua Yaqui heritage, community, and the future of tribal gaming in Southern Arizona.
$3,000 Casino Welcome Bonus!Yaqui Artist to Shape New Cultural Space
Vahi Taa'am, meaning "Three Suns" in the Yoeme language, is envisioned as a cultural and architectural landmark for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. Flores's artwork will be installed in a prominent interior location, adding a distinctly Yaqui-created element to the property's design.
"Marcelino's work carries the spirit of our people," said Pascua Yaqui Tribal Chairman Julian Hernandez. "His artwork will help us tell the story of Vahi Taa'am in a way that honors our heritage and welcomes the community into a space built on Old Pascua land."
Flores is known for blending traditional Yaqui imagery with modern techniques, often incorporating themes of resilience, identity, and the spiritual significance of light — a natural fit for a property named after the Three Suns.
Design and Features of Vahi Taa'am
Casino Del Sol, Vahi Taa'am is a 163,000-square-foot casino project located near Interstate 10 in Tucson. The property features a 26-foot copper dome, patterned terrazzo flooring, desert-inspired lighting, and interior design elements that reflect the Tribe's connection to the Sonoran landscape.
Earlier design previews highlighted a 24,000-square-foot interior dome mural depicting an Arizona desert sky with programmable lighting that transitions from midday to sunset. Flores's newly commissioned artwork will be installed in a separate interior area, expanding the cultural storytelling within the casino.
Interim CEO Amanda Sampson Lomayesva said the new commission continues the Tribe's design philosophy: "Every design choice, every partnership, every hire flows from our culture and our responsibility to our community."
Opening Timeline and Economic Impact
Casino Del Sol, Vahi Taa'am is scheduled to open on November 15, 2026. The property will introduce a modern gaming floor with 924 slot machines, table games, high-limit gaming, bar-top play, and a SolSports sportsbook.
The project is expected to create approximately 500 jobs and expand the Pascua Yaqui Tribe's economic footprint in Southern Arizona. Flores's artwork will be unveiled ahead of the grand opening, with installation planned for late summer.
With the commissioning of Marcelino C. Flores III, the Tribe reinforces its commitment to cultural representation and community investment at Vahi Taa'am, ensuring that the new casino opens with a strong visual connection to Yaqui identity and tradition.
