“I think it’s a natural evolution for their property to expand and add the hotel given the competitive environment and what their neighbor tribes are doing,” said Katherine Spilde, a professor at San Diego State University’s L. Not only does it feature such amenities as 200 rooms, several restaurants, a food court, pool and conference space, it also leaves room for future growth. 22 - is a much different experience than its predecessor. Though signs and pictures will reference the original casino and the tribe’s history, the new 474,000-square-foot resort property -scheduled to open its casino Feb. “We felt we needed to keep a piece of our past to display and show visitors where we come from,” Soboba Tribal Council Vice Chairman Isaiah Vivanco said. The sign was atop the original Soboba Casino, which was built in 1995. And while it will become a symbol for the new resort and a likely focal point for Instagram selfies, the sign itself is a link to the tribe’s past. The new casino and hotel property in San Jacinto is scheduled to open next week ◆ By Alex GrovesĪ large, burgundy-colored Soboba Casino sign surrounded by light bulbs will greet visitors as they make their way to the luxe, new Soboba Casino Resort in San Jacinto.