Pechanga Resort Casino 2018-2025 News Archive
Archived news items originally published in 2018-2025.
This page contains archived news updates for Pechanga Resort Casino from 2018-2025. These items were originally posted on the casino's profile page and have been preserved here as part of the 500 Nations legacy news archive. Major stories from this year may also appear as standalone articles in the main News section.
Archived News Articles
2025 Best Southern California Casino | OC Register
September 19, 2025
The 2025 Best Southern California Casino has been announced by the Orange County Register. This year's winner and follow-up awards were determined by the readers of the newspaper.
The first-place winner was Pechanga Resort Casino followed by runner-ups Yaamava' Resort & Casino and Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa.
PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
45000 Pechanga Parkway
Temecula, CA 92592
(877) 7112-WINPechanga Resort Casino was recently voted the #5 Best Casino Hotel Outside Las Vegas by readers of USA Today in the 2025 10Best Casino Awards.
Pechanga features 5,000 slot machines, 150 table games, an outdoor and an outdoor entertainment center, two hotel towers with 1,100 rooms, spa, 4.5-acre pool, RV campground, a golf course, a regional wine country.
YAAMAVA' RESORT CASINO
777 San Manuel Blvd
Highland, CA 92346
(800) 359-2464 | (909) 864-5050Yaamava' Resort Casino is the largest casino in California and the largest west of Las Vegas.
Yaamava' features features 6,700 slot machines, 150 table games, 8 poker tables, high-end gaming, a 17-floor hotel tower with 432 rooms, the award-winning spa, pool deck, concert theater, and more.
MORONGO CASINO RESORT SPA
49500 Seminole Drive
Cabazon, California 92230-2200
(800) 252-4499 | (909) 849-3080Morongo features 4,000 slots, 80 table game, 13 poker tables, 27-floor hotel with 272 rooms, a spa, lazy river and pool, entertainment center, bowling, golf, and a travel center.
Pechanga renews naming rights with San Diego Arena
June 24, 2025
Pechanga Resort Casino has renewed its partnership with San Diego to extend its naming rights for the Pechanga Area. The arena is home to the San Diego Gulls (AHL) and the San Diego Seals (NLL), and is located in the Point Loma area at 3500 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110.
"The Pechanga Arena partnership isn't just about a logo on a building - it's about continuing our commitment to serving one of California's most dynamic markets. The ROI on this investment extends beyond brand exposure; this venue hosts over 130 events annually, creating unparalleled touchpoints with demographics that directly align with our growth strategy. We're doubling down on what works, while strengthening our position as the premier entertainment brand in Southern California."
- Sean Vasquez, President Pechanga Dev. Corp
"We're proud to say that, with this extension, Pechanga Resort Casino becomes the venue's longest-serving naming rights partner. These agreements provide more than just branding and exposure for our partners. They represent true partnerships built on mutual support and a shared commitment to community and excellence."
- Ryan Golden, GM Pechanga Arena San Diego
The Pechanga-San Diego Arena partnership began in 2018. The new extension will continue through December 2026.
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Pechanga Casino, The Venetian Sign Historic Partnership
November 20, 2024
Pechanga Resort Casino has partnered with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas in a new guest benefits program. Casino guests can now enjoy the benefits, amenities, and player club rewards of both casinos. These benefits include hotel rooms, shows, private parties, special offers, promotions, and exclusive invitations to special events.
"Our team at Pechanga is always looking for unique and truly special ways we can deliver incredible experiences and luxury to our guests. We are looking forward to this partnership with such a respected and sought-after brand as The Venetian Resort in the Las Vegas hospitality and casino landscape."
- Ken Perez, President of Pechanga Dev. Corp.
Pechanga Resort Casino was selected by Newsweek and the 2024 Best Overall Casino Outside Las Vegas. The casino is owned by the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians near Temecula's wine country in Southern California. (See Pechanga Details)
Pechanga has partnered with many of the major sports teams in Southern California to give Pechanga guests access and invitations to Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Rams, Chargers, and Angels, and San Diego Wave games, as well as special events at the Pechanga Arena San Diego, SoFi Stadium, and the Intuit Dome.
"We're excited to welcome Pechanga guests to The Venetian Resort and provide our Venetian Rewards guests to experience Pechanga, a top casino destination in Southern California. Together, we're offering our guests exclusive perks, seamless access to experiences at both destinations, and a chance to enjoy the best of both worlds like never before."
- Danny Ruiz, Chief Gaming Officer, The Venetian
The Pechanga-Venetian partnership is for one year with the option for both parties to renew. This is a first-of-its-kind deal between a Native American tribe and a Las Vegas casino.
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Pechanga Resort Casino partners with LA Clippers
August 7, 2024
Pechanga Resort Casino has signed a multi-year partnership with the LA Clippers to be the exclusive tribal casino of the team and a founding partner of the new Intuit Dome.
Intuit Dome - Home of the LA Clippers
The partnership includes philanthropic community events, arena signage, in-game promotions, broadcast branding, Clippers watch parties, and more. Fan can get a special edition LA Clippers Club Card at Pechanga.
"We're very excited to partner with the LA Clippers and support our broader Southern California community. This partnership will also means more opportunities for Pechanga's guests to truly unique events and experiences in L.A. sports. Our Tribe's roots run deep through Southern California and like us, the Clippers are committed to using their platform to make a meaningful difference."
- Andrew Masiel, Sr., President Pechanga Dev Corp
Pechanga will host a Clippers open practice in Temecula on Oct. 8th. The casino will also feature its tribal culture at the Clippers game on Nov. 6th.
Pechanga Resort Casino is an active sponsor of Southern California sports. The casino sponsors the LA Angels Baseball, the LA Rams, the LA Chargers, the LA Lakers, and USC Athletics.
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Pechanga Resort Casino opens 'The Cove' pool to local residents
April 17, 2023
Pechanga Resort Casino has opened its massive 'The Cove' pool complex to local residents for the new season. Both local and hotel guests can now obtain day passes and rent cabanas and daybeds at the 4.5-acre pool complex.
Local residents can buy a day pass for $45 at The Cove check-in area. Locals can also reserve a cabana or daybed by phoning (888) 732-4264. Rates are based on the day of the week and availability. Hours are 9AM to 5PM.
The Cove is the size of four football fields and features four pools, three spas and two waterslides. There are also 27 cabanas, six daybeds, Baja ledges, and a swim-up bar with 18 submerged seats. The largest pool is 7,500 square feet and reserved for 21 & older. The family pool is 4,358 square feet and features the two waterslides.
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Pechanga Pow Wow returns Jan. 6-8
January 3, 2023
The 20th Pechanga Pow Wow will return to the Temecula casino after an eight-year absence caused by the three-year construction project began in 2015 and followed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Pechanga Pow Wow is a free event on Jan. 6-8 at the Pechanga Casino Resort's Summit Events Center. Tribes from across the country will perform songs and dance, as well as sell Native American foods, and exhibit tribal arts and crafts.
The first grand entry will be Friday Jan 6. at 8pm following a 7pm fireworks show. The grand entries on Saturday Jan. 7 are 1pm and 8pm, and on Sunday Jan. 8 at 1pm. Bleacher seating is available, and blankets are recommended. You may also bring low-back chairs
Pechanga Resort Casino partners with LA Clippers
October 17, 2022
Pechanga Resort Casino is now the exclusive tribal casino of the LA Clippers. This week the casino announced a multi-year, sponsoring partnership with the NBA team that will include community events, in-game promotions, Clippers watch parties, special events for Pechanga guests, Pechanga signage inside Crypto.com Arena, broadcast signage, and fan hospitality opportunities.
Pechanga Resort Casino is a major sponsor of sports in Southern California. The casino also sponsors Angels Baseball, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles Lakers, and USC Athletics; plus, it holds the naming rights to the Pechanga Arena San Diego.
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Pechanga Named '2021 Best Casino West of Vegas' - USA Today
October 27, 2021
Pechanga Resort Casino has been named 'Best Casino West of Vegas' by USA Today in this year's 10 Best readers poll. Pechanga also ranked in the top four in two other categories against 1,500 other casinos across the U.S.
Pechanga ranked as a winner in the following categories:
#1 2021 Best Casino West of Vegas
#2 2021 Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas (behind Foxwoods Resort Casino)
#4 2021 Best Casino Hotel
Source: USA Today 10best.com
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Pechanga Resort Casino is Nominated for Two National Readers' Awards
October 3, 2021
USA Today has nominated Pechanga Resort Casino for two categories in this year's 10Best.com annual readers' poll. The categories are "Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas" and "Best Casino Hotel". Pechanga has been nominated to the annual readers' poll every year since 2015 when it won the Best Casino in America Award.
Pechanga is the only California resort casino nominated in this year's "Best Hotel Casino" category. Pechanga along with San Manual Casino, now Yaamava' Resort Casino at San Manuel, are the only two California casinos nominated for this year's "Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas".
Readers of USA Today can cast their votes by visiting 10Best.com. Voting ends October 11 9 AM PDT.
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Pechanga Casino reopens hotel, spa and pool today
May 20, 2021
Pechanga Resort Casino reopened its hotel today after closing 14 months ago due to COVID-19. The reopening includes the Spa Pechanga and The Cove pool complex. The Pechanga casino and restaurants have been open since last June.
All 532 guest rooms in the original hotel building were renovated and upgraded with new furniture and furnishings during the shutdown. Fifteen new rooms were added using space from the previous spa and gym facility. Every room in Pechanga's Casino Tower was also upgraded with new amenities. Pechanga has a total of 1,100 hotel rooms making it the largest casino hotel in Southern California.
Spa Pechanga is open Thursday through Sunday and available to hotel guests. More weekdays will be added soon. The Cove covers 4.5-acres with four pools, three spas, 27 cabanas and two waterslides. Hours are 9AM-6PM and limited to hotel guests only.
Pechanga Resort Casino named Best Casino 2020
September 26, 2020
The Press Enterprise recognized Pechanga Resort Casino as the Best Casino in Southern California in this year's annual Best of Inland Empire awards. Second place went to San Manuel Casino and third place to Soboba Casino Resort.
Pechanga Resort Casino- Temecula, California
Pechanga is the largest casino in California. The 200,000 square-foot gaming floor hosts 5,500 slots machines, 152 table games, a 38-table poker room and a 700-seat bingo hall.
The resort amenities include a 1090-room hotel, 16 restaurants, six entertainment venues and Journey at Pechanga, a championship golf course.
San Manuel Casino - Highland, California
San Manuel celebrated its 34th anniversary last month. In 2017 the casino was renamed San Manual Casino from the previous San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino after closing down its bingo hall.
The casino features 4,800 slot machines, 130 table games, a poker room and two high-imit rooms.
A $550M expansion project is underway to add a 450-room hotel and spa, a 6-story parking structure and a new entertainment venue. Completion isschedule for next year 2021.
Soboba Casino Resort - San Jacinto, California
Soboba Casino reopened as the Soboba Casino Resort in 2019 after opening a brand new casino and hotel. Last month Soboba celebrated its 25th Anniversary.
Soboba Casino is a 140,000 square-foot casino with a 90,000 square-foot gaming floor. It features 2,000 slot machines and 32 table games.
Pechanga Resort Casino cancels all concerts till 2021
July 6, 2020
Pechanga Resort Casino has cancelled or all live concerts and large events through the end of the year as a precautionary step to protect guests against the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerts that are booked for 2020 will be rescheduled with new dates in 2021.
Summit Events Center at Pechanga Resort Casino
The main concert venues at Pechanga Resort Casino are the Pechanga Theater and the Summit Events Center.
"The health and safety of our guests, team members and community is and has always been our number one priority at Pechanga. We decided to make this decision now so our guests were not left wondering about whether or not concerts would take place as previously scheduled. Avoiding mass gatherings is the prudent thing to do for public health, and we'll look forward to bringing exciting concerts back when the time is right."
Jared Munoa, President of Pechanga Development Corporation
Two smaller entertainment venues, the Pechanga Comedy Club and Eagle's Nest Nightclub, are currently closed. Neither reopened May 22 when Pechanga resumed operations after shutting down for the COVID-19 threat.
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Pechanga Casino targets June 1 reopening
May 10, 2020
The homepage of the Pechanga Casino website makes the following statement regarding the reopening of the casino:
[No Ads]"Pechanga Tribal leadership has set a target reopening timeframe of June 1 for Pechanga Resort Casino. The actual date will be confirmed in the days ahead. We anticipate limited gaming, restaurants and other amenities will be allowed at the initial reopening. Please click below for more information.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you in the future."
Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula announces plan to reopen - Courtesy of KESQ NewsChannel 3, May 19, 2021. Available from YouTube
Pechanga Hosts 8th California American Indian & Indigenous Film Festival
February 9, 2020
The 8th annual California American Indian and Indigenous Film Festival (CAIIFF) is a three-day event that will be held Feb. 20-22 at Pechanga Resort Casino.
The film festival honors "the best of current films from American Indian filmmakers, producers, directors, and actors working through Indian Country". It is presented by the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC) located at California State University San Marcos.
Schedule of events Feb. 20-22:
THURSDAY OPENING NIGHT 7:00 PM
Opening Night Feature: "California Premiere of Blood Memory", Pechanga Theater, $10.00 tickets
FRIDAY FAMILY FEATURE 5:00 PM
Friday Night Family Feature presented by Jamul Casino: "nipawistamasowin: We Will Stand Up", Pechanga Theater, $10.00 tickets
FRIDAY FRIGHT FEATURE
Friday Night Fright Feature presented by Jamul Casino: "California Premiere of Blood Quantum", Pechanga Theater, $10.00 tickets
SATURDAY YOUTH TRACK 12:00 PM
Youth Track Program, Pechanga Theater, Free Admission
SATURDAY MATINEE 4:00 PM
Saturday Matinee" "California Premiere of Sisters Rising", Pechanga Theater, Free Admission
SATURDAY CLOSING NIGHT 7:00 PM
Closing Night Feature: "US Premiere of The Grizzlies", Pechanga Theater, $10.00 tickets
For descriptions and details of these events, visit CAIIFF.
For tickets and additional information, visit Pechanga Box Office.
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Pechanga partners with NFL Rams and Chargers
December 24, 2019
In a deal announced last week, Pechanga Resort Casino has been named a founding partner of the Rams, Chargers, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. Beginning next season, both the NFL Rams and Charger teams will play in SoFi Stadium, which will seat 70,000 fans and opens in July 2020.
Pechanga Resort Casino branding will be placed in areas and levels throughout SoFi stadium.
FEATURED BRANDED SPACES
Pechanga Founders Club - This will be a 14,000-square-foot club on the field level for guests to enjoy a special close-up view of the game.
Activation Zone - This Pechanga space will be 11,500 square-feet and located level 8. More details to come.
VIP Entrances - Pechanga will have branding at four VIP entrances.
A statement from Pechanga Chairman Mark Macarro said:
"We are thrilled to partner with the Chargers and the Rams, and to be a part of SoFi Stadium. This isn't just a Los Angeles stadium, it's a Southern California stadium, and Southern California has always been and will always be our home. We are especially proud to be able to help local students and people in need with the grants we announced today."
Pechanga has partnerships with other major sports teams including the LA Angels, LA Lakers and the Pechanga Arena in San Diego.
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Pechanga Casino partners with Los Angeles Rams
August 3, 2019
The Pechanga Resort Casino and the Los Angeles Rams announced today the signing of a 1-year marketing partnership. Pechanga receives:
Premium seats for Rams games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
VIP events with the Rams
Placement in Rams' advertising
Presenting sponsor in halftime shows
Joint philanthropic ventures
Pechanga has other partnerships and similar terms with the Los Angeles Lakers and Angels.
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Forbes Travel Guide 2019 Rates Pechanga Hotel and Spa
February 21, 2019
Forbes Travel Guide, considered the premier standard of the hospitality industry, released their 2019 guide yesterday and announcing its ratings of Recommended, Four-Star and Five-Star. Property ratings are calculated after evaluating 900 specific criteria.
In this year's edition, Forbes Travel Guide rated Pechanga among the world's best in two categories: the spa and the hotel. Both properties were added last year in March 2018 at the completion of a $300M construction project.
SPA PECHANGA
Forbes Travel Guide Rating: "Four-Star"
Comment: "exceptional properties, offering high levels of service and quality of facility to match"
PECHANGA HOTEL
Forbes Travel Guide Rating: "Recommended"
Comment: "excellent properties with consistently good service and facilities"
Pechanga's Vice President of Hotel Operations, Thomas Mueller, expressed his appreciation:
"Receiving this prestigious recognition in just the first year of our new spa operation speaks volumes of our team and their level of professionalism, care and detail. This spa was designed to take the experience to a whole new level. We're proud to be one of only 25 California four-star rated spas."
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Pechanga Resort Casino opens new 'Corner Bar'
January 10, 2019
As part of Pechanga's $300M expansion that opened in 2018, the new Corner bar opened in late December.
Jared Munoa, President of Pechanga Development Corporation, described it this way:
"The vibe of the Corner Bar is different than any other at Pechanga. We incorporated a new motif with materials that aren't so common throughout the property, giving it a very sophisticated yet casual feel. It's a great place for people-watching, and the guests are loving it so far."
The bar has 30 seats and is located next to the high-limit gaming area.
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Pechanga Casino gains naming rights to San Diego Sports Arena
December 13, 2018
The former Valley View Casino Center sports arena has been renamed to the Pechanga Arena San Diego. Earlier this month the city council for San Diego approved the new naming rights.
The arena hosts many sporting events and concerts each year.
Valley View Casino and Hotel had naming rights to the arena since 2010. However, they decided to not renew their contract with the arena.
Currently the Pechanga have relationships with the Angels and the Lakers.
The San Diego Sports Arena is located at 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. It is the closest arena located to the Pechanga.
The name change will take place by December 21, 2018.
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Pechanga Resort Casino unveils $300 million expansion
March 8. 2018
(PRESS RELEASE) -- The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians' official Grand Opening ribbon cutting on Saturday, 3 March in front of the all-glass enclosed lobby kicked off a stunning weekend of concerts, firework displays and VIP parties that officially opened the Tribe's $300 million resort expansion.
Now the largest resort/casino on the West Coast, Pechanga Resort & Casino offers guests approachable luxury with subtle elements of the Tribe's Native heritage woven into architectural and resort experiences. This major expansion added 568 AAA Four-Diamond hotel rooms and suites, a 4.5-acre pool complex, two additional restaurants, a two-level luxury spa with fitness and yoga studio, and another 68,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including the 40,000-square-foot Pechanga Summit.
"We are setting a higher standard of excellence and taking the resort gaming experience in Southern California and beyond to another level," said Pechanga Development Corporation President, Edith Atwood. "We are deeply grateful to our dedicated and talented team members and the thousands of construction workers who helped build this beautiful facility. Of course, none of this would be here if it wasn't for our loyal guests who continue to visit, continue to talk about their positive experiences with friends."
Pechanga hired 750 people during 2017 and early 2018 for permanent positions to staff the resort expansion areas. Jobs ranged from entry level to management roles. Pechanga Resort Casino is the third largest private employer in Riverside County with 4,750 team members.
Pechanga's $300 million grand opening events included the official ribbon cutting with Tribal ocials and dignitaries, a VIP poolside party with many recognizable personalities at The Cove, the new resort pool complex, a fireworks display set off from the Pechanga hotel tower and a performance in the Pechanga Summit on Saturday, 3 March by rock 'n' roll icon Steven Tyler, and a Boyz II Men performance the following day on Sunday, 4 March.
Snapshot of Pechanga Resort Casino After Grand Opening
- Casino square footage: 200,000
- Event/meeting/convention square footage: 100,000 (indoor), 174,500 (outdoor)
- Number of hotel rooms: 1,090
- Number of restaurants and bars: 20
- Number of pools and spas: 15
- Number of employees: 4,750
Pechanga Expansion Has an Economic Output of over $550 million.
- Nearly 3,000 jobs from construction-related activities.
- A total of 560 new jobs within community, going forward from expanded operations.
Local Improvements Funded by Pechanga as Result of Expansion
Source: Pechanga Resort Casino
- $5 million to widen Pechanga Parkway and improve local roads.
- Over $9 million in funding for local law enforcement.
- $14 million contributed for Interstate 15/Temecula Parkway Ultimate Interchange.
