10,000 square foot addition follows on the heels of successful ilani hotel opening in August of 2023; commemorates 24th Anniversary of Tribe’s Federal Recognition.
RIDGEFIELD, Wash. (Feb. 12, 2024) – A new phase of development has opened at ilani. A 10,000-square-foot addition to the Meeting & Entertainment Center, which broke ground one year ago, enhances the property’s ability to attract large-scale entertainment and business events, potentially drawing more visitors and economic opportunities to the area.
“Today marks another thrilling chapter in the ilani journey, and we invite all to experience the excitement of our versatile venue – a space that seamlessly blends entertainment, business and community engagement,” said Kara Fox-LaRose, president and general manager of ilani. “Supported by our new luxury hotel tower, this expansion makes ilani the largest full-service convention center in the region and increases our opportunity to attract top-tier events, ensuring more visitors and growth opportunities for Ridgefield and surrounding areas.”
The latest phase in the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s master plan, the addition to the Meeting & Entertainment Center is situated on the northeast side of the property. The expansion brings the size of the venue to 40,000 square feet.
The venue has drawn national headliners since opening in 2018, and the expansion will not only help attract world-class entertainment but also a wide variety of trade shows, private events and conferences.
“This is more than a convention center expansion; it’s an invitation to be part of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s ever-evolving story,” Patty Kinswa-Gaiser, chairwoman of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. “As we unveil this next chapter, the expansion stands as testimony to the Tribe’s commitment to growth, community and cultural celebration.”
The expansion is also made possible by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s partnership with Mohegan, a developer and operator of integrated entertainment resorts.
The Meeting & Entertainment Center expansion design choices were informed by connections to the rich history of the Cowlitz people. Subtle use of patterns, colors and rich wood tones weave in inspiration from the Tribe’s heritage while complementing the existing event space. It was designed by LRS Architects, and the general contractor was Swinerton.
ABOUT ILANI:
Located on the Cowlitz Reservation in Ridgefield, Washington, ilani, developed by the Cowlitz Tribe and Salishan-Mohegan, a partnership that includes Mohegan Sun, one of the world’s foremost gaming and entertainment developers and operators, is the Pacific Northwest’s premier gaming, dining, entertainment and meeting destination. With nearly 400,000 total square feet, ilani includes more than 100,000 square feet of gaming space with nearly 3,000 slots and 75 gaming tables; 18 different restaurants, bars and retail outlets; and a 2,500-seat meeting and entertainment venue hosting nationally recognized performances. For more information, visit ilaniresort.com and follow ilani on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT THE COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE:
The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is a growing force in community building in the Pacific Northwest. The Cowlitz Reservation neighbors Ridgefield, Washington, and is home to ilani, the Pacific Northwest’s premier gaming, dining, meeting, and entertainment destination. The mission of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe is to preserve and honor the legacy of its elders and ancestors by empowering a tribal community that promotes social justice and economic well-being, secures aboriginal lands, respects culture and sovereignty, and fosters justice, freedom, and mutual welfare. More information can be found at www.cowlitz.org.
ABOUT MOHEGAN:
Mohegan is the owner, developer and manager of premier entertainment resorts in the United States, Canada, and Northern Asia. Mohegan’s U.S. operations include resorts in Connecticut, Washington, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Nevada; Canadian operations are based in Niagara Falls; and Mohegan Inspire is located in Incheon, South Korea. The brand’s iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, provides cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base and meets the digital needs of customers on a global scale. Mohegan is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information on Mohegan and its properties, please visit www.mohegangaming.com.