The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE), announced that the grand opening of its Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, located along I-40, exit 219, just east of Flagstaff, Ariz., will take place May 24, 2013. Grand opening events throughout Memorial weekend will highlight rich Navajo traditions while showcasing the property’s state-of-the art gaming, luxurious resort accommodations, fine dining and culturally infused architecture.
The 267,000-square-foot facility showcases Navajo culture and features commissioned Navajo artists’ original paintings and other artworks. The structure was designed by the Friedmutter Group of Las Vegas – working with Navajo tribal members – and built by Hunt Construction Group.
“Twin Arrows will create a new benchmark in gaming entertainment while improving the economic health and prosperity of the Navajo Nation,” said Derrick Watchman, chief executive officer of the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise. “As northern Arizona’s premier destination casino resort, Twin Arrows will create approximately 800 full-time jobs with an annual payroll of $34 million, including salaries and benefits.”
Phase one of the $230 million facility includes 1,089 slot machines, 18 table games and 12 poker tables, live Keno, a five-story hotel with 90 rooms and suites 16,000 square foot banquet and conference center, fully equipped fitness center, heated indoor pool and six distinct dining concepts. The casino will operate 24 hours per day, seven days a week. The resort also offers 24-hour complimentary valet parking featuring a unique “Valet Express” mobile phone service system.
Six Distinct Dining Options
Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort offers an extensive variety of food and beverage options – sure to please every palate. Choose from casual eateries and a sports bar to fine dining and award-wining wines. Resort guests also have the option for in-room dining service 24 hours a day.
· Zenith Steakhouse: Zenith Steakhouse is Twin Arrow’s flagship restaurant. Its exhibition kitchen, fireplace and menu put a progressive twist on the traditional. Zenith serves the highest quality meats and sustainable seafood paired with seasonal and regional produce to create exquisite steaks, chops, fish and shellfish entrees. Zenith also serves handcrafted cocktails and 250 of the worlds’ finest wines.
* The high nest of the eagle inspires the steakhouse design. Stone walls evoke the cliffs where eagles build their nests. Sculptural birch branches create intimate dining zones and custom light fixtures are woven from silver branches in the style of eagle nests. A Hogan ceiling is also replicated at the entry way portal.
· Arrows Sports Bar: The sports bar offers a wide selection of local, regional and international beers as well as appetizers and entrees – including spicy wings, loaded nachos, steak and cheese fries, signature burgers, big-bowl salads and knife-and-fork sandwiches. The bar is surrounded by 19 large-screen HD TVs and a state-of-the-art sound system.
*The Sports Bar honors the legacy of traditional Navajo warriors. The crossed arrows are a symbol of peace and welcome in a home and recall the trials of the Locust – who were the first to enter the fourth world as couriers to the rest of the animals and people. Traditional bow patterns, arrow stripes, and the geometric designs of chief blankets are also featured.
· Four Elements Café: The café offers a contemporary all-day dining menu, featuring a rich variety of dining options with a southwestern flair. Breakfast favorites include the three egg white omelet, buttermilk Navajo pancakes, skillets, baked sweet breads and Scottish smoked salmon. Throughout the rest of the day guests can choose from an extensive variety of salads, sandwiches, signature burgers, steaks, chops, seafood and desserts.
* The cafe is designed around a color and material palette of the elements in Navajo (Sky, Earth, Water, Fire and Air). The landscape’s topography is also rendered in decorative ceiling treatments.
· The Reef, Seafood Bar: The Reef is a true seafood bar featuring exciting exhibition-style cooking. Menu favorites include freshly shucked oysters, oyster shooters, pasta, chowders and stews. The chef will also create specialty dishes upon request.
* The Seafood Bar is a tribute to the White Shell Woman and her house in the west on the shimmering water. Colors of blue suggest the beautiful ocean that surrounded her home. A sparkling bar top has integral white shell embedded within. Metals in soft patinas accent surfaces around the open-action kitchen.
· Food Court: The Food Court offers a variety of ethnic and seasonal cuisine including authentic Navajo fry bread tacos, mutton stew and green chili pork stew. Traditional options including burger and fries, deli sandwiches, stir fry vegetable lo mein and other Asian-style cuisine are also available.
· Coffee Bar: The Coffee Bar brews Peet’s Coffee daily and offers a variety of other made-to-order cold coffees, teas and seasonal beverages. Bottled soft drinks, energy drinks, fresh baked goods, parfaits and grab-n-go salads and sandwiches are also provided.
*Cultural design integration
(Menus available upon request)
“Ya at’eeh. We welcome Arizona residents and tourists to experience our world-class gaming and array of dining options this summer,” said Maureen Curley, chairwoman of the Board of Directors for the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise. “We are committed to building business opportunities for the Navajo Nation as we provide an economic boost to the entire region and put Navajo people to work.”
Interior and exterior designs, lighting, colors and art installations incorporate the Four Worlds from the Navajo Creation and Emergence Story. Additionally, the basket weave pattern – to the importance of weaving in Navajo culture – can be seen on the exterior of the resort as well as in subtle interior details throughout the casino, restaurants and guest rooms.
Twin Arrows is the fourth casino of the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise. More information on Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TwinArrowsAZ.
