FIREKEEPERS CASINO HOTEL CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF NEW HOTEL PLUS GAMING AND RESTAURANTS WITH DRAMATIC HIGHWIRE WALK BY NIK WALLENDA
(Battle Creek, Mich.) Aug. 16, 2021 — FireKeepers Casino Hotel’s multi-million dollar expansion is now officially open to the public! The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and FireKeepers Executive Team hosted the grand opening event and ribbon cutting today, capped off by a tight rope walk by Nik Wallenda, world renowned daredevil of the legendary performing family, the Great Wallendas! Wallenda’s walk was dramatic yet symbolic, as it signified progress and forward movement for FireKeepers as he moved from FireKeepers’ first hotel tower to the new tower, a span of more than 400 feet, at nearly 200 feet above ground!
The new eight-story hotel was designed by JCJ Architecture, of Hartford Conn., and constructed by Clark Construction Co. of Lansing, Mich., in alignment with FireKeepers’ existing high standards of excellence, as the current hotel has been designated a AAA Four Diamond award winner for the past six consecutive years. The new hotel rooms feature upscale, built-in décor, along with the latest in guest service technology.
“Our focus from day one was to design a second hotel tower with the upscale, vibrant, yet fun and friendly approach which has made our first tower such a big success,” stated Kathy George, CEO of FireKeepers Casino Hotel. “Our Get Your Vegas On brand is on display throughout the new design, and now paired with our Team’s great guest service, your experience at FireKeepers will truly be unmatched!”
The welcoming 39,000 square foot main level delivers a vibrant new Lobby Bar and front desk while increasing the focus on seven main pillars which represent the Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi: Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility, and Wisdom.
“We’ve been fortunate to have enjoyed many great days since, and even before, the 2009 opening of FireKeepers Casino,” stated NHBP Tribal Council Chairperson, Jamie Stuck. “This day marks a major step forward in our history and we look to the future with excitement and anticipation for the new opportunities ahead of us.”
FireKeepers signature restaurant, Nibi, one of Michigan’s finest dining experiences, has relocated to the new wing, with seating for approximately 125, and an interior that retains a focus on the tribal namesake, water, plus a new aqua-fire feature. Nibi also features expanded wine storage and presentation, as well as a private dining area for up to 20, perfect for special parties or small business meetings.
An exterior focal point added during the expansion is a 20-foot statue weighing more than 3,600 pounds, in the middle of a 15-foot pool of water and fountains. Titled the “Good Life”, the sculpture symbolizes those who live by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, who will enjoy the Good Life. The seven arms of the sculpture representing each those teachings.
The hotel added convenience for guests, by placing another Gapi coffee and sweets location to the main lobby. Gapi, the Potawatomi word for coffee, serves up coffee, snacks and suites daily from 7 am – 11 pm.
The project also provides a dramatically larger and more luxurious High Limit gaming area for slots and table games delivering 50 percent more slot machines, including a blend of new games and longtime favorites, plus ten table games. The room also features a new bar and Aurora Lounge, a restaurant exclusively for upgraded Red Hot Rewards Club Members. The High Limit area opened to the public on Friday, Aug. 13, with a little help from Wallenda.
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FireKeepers Casino Hotel, located just off Interstate 94 at Exit 104 in Battle Creek, MI, has been named Best Casino by audiences in Western Michigan and Northern Indiana, plus earned multiple awards in the Casino Player Magazine Best of Gaming 2019 Native Midwest category, including Best Casino. FireKeepers was recognized as 2019 Employer of the Year by Michigan Works! Association and was also selected as one of the Best Casinos to Work For by Casino Player Magazine. FireKeepers' signature restaurant, Nibi, is a multiple recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The property features 2,900 slot machines, 70 table games, a live poker room, and bingo room. FireKeepers offers a AAA-rated Four Diamond resort-style hotel with 243 rooms, a functional multi-purpose event center, six distinctive dining destinations, and multiple lounges. Driven by high demand, construction on a second hotel tower is underway and expected to be complete in early 2021. FireKeepers is the title sponsor of the FireKeepers Casino 400, a NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway, and a host of the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship a Symetra Tour-Road to the LPGA golf event. For more information, visit www.firekeeperscasino.com.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel is owned and operated by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.
Well known throughout Michigan for more than 70 years, Clark Construction Company is a full-scale commercial construction firm with a reputation for quality. They have expanded into many market segments around the State of Michigan, and continue to be on the cutting edge of their industry. Due in part to their dedication to safety, community, and teamwork, Clark continues to grow as a leading provider in the field. Clark’s mission statement: We Build on a Foundation of Trust.
JCJ Architecture is a 100% employee-owned, architecture, planning and interior design firm, which has been in continuous operation since 1936. JCJ’s professionals serve clients across the nation and the globe from offices in Hartford, Boston, Las Vegas, New York, Phoenix, San Diego and Tulsa. The firm has built a successful practice by integrating rigorous management with the highest standards of design and client service. JCJ is proud to have created buildings and environments of exceptional quality and to have contributed to making many communities better places to live, work, learn and play. JCJ Architecture has been immersed in the gaming and hospitality marketplace for decades, designing some of the most notable and profitable properties in the industry. For more information, visit www.jcj.com.
