Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel Grand Opening Celebrated

By: Jose G. Landa
Copyright 2013 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel and Expansion celebrated its official grand opening on Monday, October 28, 2013, at 10 A.M. at the doorsteps of the newly constructed 259 room Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel in the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Reservation in southern Eagle Pass, Texas.

Over 200 local dignitaries, civic and business leaders, and casino patrons joined in celebrating the grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony and festivities on October 28th. Plains Capital Bank Senior Vice-President and Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Humberto “Beto” Garza was the master of ceremony for the grand opening. He recognized the dignitaries in attendance and welcomed all the guests to the grand opening ceremony, especially those from Mexico who had made the trip to be at the special event.

Garza also introduced and recognized the Tribal Council members of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, including Chairman Juan Garza, Rogelio Elizondo, David Gonzalez, Anika Hernandez, and Jesus Anico. Garza also introduced Don Spaulding, Tribal Administrator of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.

Don Spaulding thanked every person who was involved in the planning and construction of the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel and Expansion. “This is a very special occasion for the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas and a long time coming and we are glad that we are finally here,” said Spaulding.

Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Tribal Council Chairman Juan Garza stated that this was another big step for the Kickapoo Tribe and that there are other major projects in the future. Chairman Garza recognized and thanked Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino General Manager Robin Miller and Tribal Administrator Don Spaulding for their hard work and dedication to the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas and its tribal members.

Texas State Senator Carlos Uresti congratulated the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas on their important economic development project and stated he was not going to miss this important grand opening. Senator Uresti stated that one of his proudest moments in his senate career is receiving and acknowledging the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas on the Texas Senate Floor during their visits to the State Capitol in Austin, Texas, as well as Maverick County. “I am honored to be here and what a great tribute you have given back to the community. I wish you all the best of luck, ” said Senator Uresti.

Luis Galnares, Project Director of W.G. Yates & Sons Construction, the general contractor of the Casino Hotel construction project, provided guests with the details of constructing the hotel and thanked all the persons involved in the construction of the hotel. “On November 3, 2010, the Kickapoo Tribe signed the contract for the program management Phase 1 of capital improvements and in turn it set up a series of events that brings us here almost three years to the day. This job encompasses over a million square feet of construction that has taken place,…and would like to present to the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas a small token of our appreciation,” said Galnares. Galnares then presented two water color paintings to the Kickapoo Tribe depicting the Old Casino Facade and the new Casiono Hotel.

Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey English Cantu congratulated the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas on their vision and leadership in the community and their significant economic development project.

Maverick County Judge David Saucedo thanked the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas for providing important economic development and jobs in the community and congratulated them on the grand opening of the casino hotel and expansion.

Other local dignitaries at the grand opening ceremony included Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber, Maverick County Commissioner Asalia Casares, Eagle Pass City Councilman William “Billy” Davis, and Eagle Pass City Councilwoman Gloria Hernandez.

The Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce participated in the grand opening ceremony, including Executive Director Sandra Martinez, Board members Kendall Scott, Martha Garcia, and Humberto Garza.

Following the ribbon-cutting, guests were provided tours of the new Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel and treated to refreshments.