Wild Rose Casino gets ready for opening day

Rebecca Boysen
Herald Staff Writer

June 12, 2008 11:18 am

— CLINTON — After 13 months of construction, one million cubic yards of fill and countless hours of planning and preparation, the new Wild Rose Casino & Resort being built on the west end of town is nearing completion.
Iowa’s first true land-based casino, the facility is tentatively slated to open for business on June 27, with the hopes that employees are able to unload items from the Mississippi Belle II Riverboat Casino after its last day of business on June 22.
“That date is very fluid,” said Wild Rose Marketing Manager Maureen Roushar. “It’s dependent on river levels, and a lot of other factors that are outside of our control.”
When the casino and resort does open its doors to customers, Roushar reports that employees will still be putting the finishing touches on the facility, but are eager to welcome their first guests.
“I’m really excited about our ability to serve our current guests, as well as bring something new to the area,” Roushar said. “I hope Clinton is as proud of this project as we are.”
The 120,000-square-foot facility sits on an expansive 28 acres, and will feature two dining facilities, a grand ballroom and a gift shop specializing in local fare in addition to the 28,000-square-foot casino and 60-room hotel.
Located at 777 Wild Rose Drive, guests to the casino and resort will be able to take advantage of full-service valet parking or self park in one of the 1,000 parking spots available at the facility. Once inside, the game floor features a striking, 36-foot circular Roundhouse bar, complete with a fireplace suspended from the center of the ceiling. Patrons will be able to choose from 600 slot machines and 14 table games.
“We feel like we’re bringing a first-class gaming and entertainment facility to Clinton,” Roushar said.
Guests will be able to dine at Coaches Corner Sports Bar & Grill, which will feature 41 TVs displaying virtually every local sporting event, including a private 19-inch television at each booth, and will serve everything from burgers and beer to certified angus and a reserve wine list, or the Sawmill Buffet, which will include action stations featuring signature dishes and seating for more than 260 people.
The Iowa Store will sell local items and logo apparel, and unique gifts crafted by area artisans.
The 10,000-square-foot Oakwood Grand Ballroom will feature space for up to 750 people and accommodate concerts, weddings and conventions. The hotel features six luxury suites, and affordable pricing ranging from just under $90 for a basic Queen Double room to around $129 for suites.
According to Roushar, a three-day grand opening event is scheduled for mid-July. Friday, July 18, will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony; on Saturday, July 19, guests can enjoy a performance by Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, and a half-price champagne brunch will be offered on Sunday, July 21.
Roushar says more than 65 percent of the casino patrons come from Illinois, and officials are excited about the economic opportunities the Wild Rose will bring to the area.
“We see a lot of opportunity for growth within the community,” Roushar said. “This is an exciting time for the future of Clinton.”

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