Construction is steadily progressing on the $100 million “Next Level” expansion at Wildhorse Resort & Casino, with project leaders targeting completion in 2027.
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Located in Pendleton, the resort is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. After eight months of construction, the large-scale redevelopment is beginning to visibly reshape the eastern Oregon property into what tribal officials describe as a regional entertainment and hospitality hub.
The project centers on replacing the resort’s 28-year-old Courtyard Hotel with a modern 10-story hotel tower that will feature 214 guest rooms, including standard accommodations, luxury suites and executive suites.
Once complete, the new tower will more than double the resort’s total room inventory to over 400 keys, positioning Wildhorse to attract larger conferences, multi-day events and extended family visits.
The expanded lodging capacity is paired with a significant increase in meeting and event space. Officials say the project will triple the property’s event footprint, allowing it to host conventions, trade shows, weddings and entertainment programming that were previously limited by space constraints.
“We’re really excited about what we’ve been able to do with the property here in eastern Oregon and Pendleton, Oregon,” said Gary George, CEO of Wildhorse Resort and Casino.
The additional rooms and expanded facilities are expected to strengthen the resort’s competitiveness in the Pacific Northwest gaming and hospitality market, drawing visitors from across Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
Beyond new amenities, tribal leaders view the expansion as a long-term economic development strategy. The project is expected to generate construction jobs during the build phase and permanent positions once the expanded resort opens.
Wildhorse Resort & Casino already serves as a major employer in the region. By increasing lodging and event capacity, the tribe aims to capture a larger share of destination travel and business tourism while boosting local spending at restaurants, retail outlets and surrounding attractions.
The new tower will also modernize the resort’s skyline presence along Interstate 84, making it more visible to travelers passing through eastern Oregon.
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The “Next Level” initiative reflects a broader push by tribal gaming operators nationwide to reinvest in properties with upgraded hotels, entertainment venues and diversified revenue streams beyond the gaming floor.
For Wildhorse, the expansion marks one of the largest capital investments in its history. The transformation is designed not only to improve guest experience but also to solidify the property’s standing as a year-round destination capable of hosting high-profile events and accommodating larger visitor volumes.
With construction continuing through 2026 and into 2027, tribal officials say the project remains on schedule, signaling a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of the Pendleton resort.
Originally reported by Dan Hanson, Apple Valley News Now in CDC Gaming.
