Pascua Yaqui Tribe Opens First Casino Inside Tucson City Limits on Nov. 15
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe will open Casino Del Sol Vahi Taa'am on Nov. 15, 2026, its third casino and first within Tucson city limits.Summary
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe will open Casino Del Sol Vahi Taa'am on November 15, 2026, at 1055 W. Grant Road near Interstate 10 in Tucson. It is the tribe's third casino and the first built inside Tucson city limits. The casino sits on Old Pascua Community land placed in trust for the tribe under the Old Pascua Community Land Acquisition Act, signed by President Biden on December 27, 2022. The roughly 30-acre area holds cultural importance for the tribe, predating federal recognition in 1978. The name Vahi Taa'am means "Three Suns" in Yoeme, the Pascua Yaqui language, symbolizing the tribe's third gaming property and a bright future. A 26-foot copper dome is the building's main feature, visible from Interstate 10. Tribal Chairman Julian Hernandez said the property carries meaning because it is built on Old Pascua Community land, stating, "November 15 cannot come soon enough." The facility covers about 153,000 to 163,000 square feet, with a roughly 52,250-square-foot gaming floor holding approximately 928 slot machines, table games, a High Limit Lounge, and a SolSports sportsbook. The tribe expects the casino to create around 500 jobs across gaming, food and beverage, hospitality, security, and administration. Lesah Sesma, a 15-year Casino Del Sol employee who previously led the flagship Valencia Road property, will serve as general manager. Interim CEO Amanda Sampson Lomayesva called the opening a step forward for the tribe in Southern Arizona. Construction began in January 2025. The property will also include the Old Pascua Grill and the Sewa Market food hall. No major legal challenges to the opening have been reported recently.
(Source：Panasiabiz)