Thousands flock to opening of Graton Rancheria's $825M casino

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Opening day at the Graton Resort and Casino. Photo from Instagram

Large crowds brought traffic jams on Tuesday as the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California opened its first gaming facility.

Chairman Greg Sarris greeted patrons at the door to the $825 million Graton Resort and Casino. He led the tribe during the entire saga, a process that took more than a decade due to litigation and opposition.

"I am filled with gratitude this day has arrived," Sarris told The San Francisco Chronicle. "Now I feel more overwhelmed with the responsibility of making good on my word for this community."

The 320,000 square-foot facility is the largest in the state. It's also the closest to San Francisco -- the Bay Area is only about 50 miles to the south.

The casino features 3,000 slot and video poker machines, 144 table games, nine restaurants and a 5,700-space parking lot.

Get the Story:
Graton Rancheria chairman Greg Sarris filled with gratitude (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 11/6)
A full house as Graton Resort & Casino opens (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 11/6)
CHP: Casino-goers stuck in parking lot traffic jam call 911 (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 11/6)
Casino opening results in heavy traffic, frustrated drivers (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 11/6)
Thousands swarm Graton casino on opening day (The San Francisco Chronicle 11/6)
Station Casinos, tribal owners open casino near San Francisco (Casino City Times 11/6)
Crowds pack Graton Casino on opening day (KGO 11/5)
Betting on Graton (The San Francisco Bay Guardian 11/5)
Crowds flock to new Rohnert Park casino, clogging roadways (The Los Angeles Times 11/5)
Casino opening attracts thousands (The North Bay Business Journal 11/5)
$800 million Indian casino set to open in California’s wine country near San Francisco (AP 11/5) Related Stories:
Editorial: California tempted by bigger and glitzier tribal casinos (11/5)