SENECA BUFFALO CREEK CASINO
EXPANSION Hnedak Bobo Group
THE SENECA NATION WAS FAR FROM THE FIRST tribe to enter tribal gaming , but when they decided to take the plunge , they were all in . First , Seneca Niagara became a success near the famous falls . Then a second casino in Allegany , New York followed in that path . Finally , a small casino in Buffalo was more successful than anticipated , so an expansion plan was necessary .
Continuing its relationship with the Seneca Nation , Hnedak Bobo Group ( HBG ) is currently designing a $ 40 million expansion to the Buffalo Creek Casino . HBG also designed the phase-one casino . The two-story expansion project will feature a new high-limit game room , 360 additional slot machines and 10 game tables , bringing the total number of slot machines to 1,200 and game tables to 32 after construction .
In addition , the expansion will create a new retail area and add a small performance stage for live entertainment at the Stixx Sports Bar . The existing Buffalo Savors Grill will be upgraded , and a second floor will house a new restaurant , the Western Door Steakhouse — which is one of
the most popular restaurants at Seneca Gaming ’ s other New York casino properties . Construction will be complete in early 2017 .
Located in the former industrial area of Buffalo ’ s re-emerging Inner Harbor , HBG designed the phase-one Buffalo Creek Casino , which opened on August 27 , 2013 . Highly visible from Interstate 190 and only two blocks from the First Niagara Center , home of the NHL ’ s Buffalo Sabres , the Seneca Nation ’ s casino property celebrates the culture of the Seneca people while serving as a building block for the continued growth of the Inner Harbor area .
OWNER : Seneca Nation MANAGER : Seneca Gaming Corp . ARCHITECT / DESIGNER : Hnedak Bobo Group INVESTMENT : $ 40 million
A rendering of Buffalo Creek ’ s two-story expansion
Great Golf Shot
TOPGOLF , MGM GRAND HOTEL & CASINO LAS VEGAS YWS Architects
TOPGOLF INTERNATIONAL , INC . ANNOUNCED in May that it is building a state-of-the-art flagship location at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip . The Topgolf entertainment destination is expected to open in spring of 2016 .
14 CASINO DESIGN 2015
Topgolf offers competitive golfing games for all ages and skill levels , and advanced technology to track the accuracy and distance of players ’ shots . The four-level , 105,000-squarefoot Topgolf Las Vegas will sit on eight acres and overlook a 215-yard outfield . There will be 102 hitting bays among the first three levels , while the fourth level will showcase VIP areas with water features . The building ’ s plans also include a stage for live musical performances and 3,000 square feet of private meeting space . The facility will cater to intimate events ranging from 10 to 2,000 people .
“ Topgolf Las Vegas is unlike anything we have ever endeavored to build ,” says Topgolf Executive Chairman Erik Anderson . “ After three years of planning , Topgolf and MGM Grand are bringing the boldest new concept in sports entertainment to the entertainment capital of the world . This gleaming flagship location will host millions of Topgolf fans when they come to Las Vegas , bring our exciting new concept to MGM ’ s global clientele , and introduce the millions of other visitors to Topgolf who are attracted to Las Vegas every year in search of the latest innovations in entertainment and fun .”
The facility was designed by YWS Architects , and the general contractor is McCarthy Construction with ARCO / Murray National Construction acting as consultants . Las Vegas native Bryan O ’ Reilly , working as Topgolf ’ s local partner , was instrumental in bringing the deal to closure . Topgolf notes that 34th Floor Hospitality is providing consulting services on its facility operations .
“ The Topgolf atmosphere features a highenergy , interactive sports and entertainment experience never before seen in Las Vegas ,” says MGM Grand President and COO Scott Sibella . “ Our partners have proven themselves as a successful brand in multiple markets nationwide , and we look forward to our future relationship .”
Topgolf Las Vegas is expected to serve upward of 1 million visitors in its first year of operation . Nearly half of all Topgolf guests describe themselves as “ non-golfers .”
OWNERS : MGM Resorts OPERATOR : Topgolf International ARCHITECT : YWS Architects INVESTMENT : $ 45 million