Pueblo of Tesuque plans to open casino near famed opera by end of year

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

An aerial view shows the Santa Fe Opera in northern New Mexico. The Pueblo of Tesuque plans to open a casino in the lot seen on the far right of the image. The Opera's theater and associated facilities are seen on the left. Image: Google Earth

Ahead of a groundbreaking, the Pueblo of Tesuque released conceptual drawings for a new casino next to the site of the famed Santa Fe Opera in northern New Mexico.

Plans show a 72,500 square-foot facility and a parking lot with 950 spaces, The Santa Fe New Mexican reported. There's room for a hotel sometime down the line.

The Santa Fe Opera, whose many fans include Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the U.S. Supreme Court, is well known for its productions and views of the natural surroundings. The outdoor venue typically hosts events only during the summer months.

According to The New Mexican, the casino will be visible only from some balcony seats and patios on the east side of the open-air theater.

Indianz.Com on Google Maps: Indian Gaming in Northern New Mexico

The tribe expects to open the facility -- whose name hasn't been announced -- in the fall. When that happens, the existing Camel Rock Casino will shut down

The new site puts the tribe much closer to Santa Fe, the capital. The city's downtown is only about 7 miles away.

A groundbreaking ceremony is due to take place on Wednesday.

Read More on the Story:
Pueblo plan shows layout of casino site (The Santa Fe New Mexican January 9, 2018)

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Pueblo of Tesuque announces plan for casino at site next to famed opera (December 21, 2017)