Station opening California casino

Monday, June 9, 2003 | 11:09 a.m.

Station Casinos Inc. of Las Vegas planned to open the $215 million Thunder Valley Casino this morning in Lincoln, Calif., near Sacramento.

The casino, owned by the United Auburn Indian Community, will be managed under a seven-year contract by Station Casinos for a fee of about $50 million per year.

The casino features about 1,900 slot machines, 100 table games, a private VIP gaming area and an Asian gambling parlor. The casino also has a center pit bar, three specialty restaurants, a 500-seat buffet, food court and parking for 3,300 vehicles. The property doesn't have a hotel.

Tribal Chairwoman Jessica Tavares and general manager Scott Garawitz planned to welcome guests this morning and present four members of Station Casinos' slot club loyalty program with $1,000.

More than 20,000 Sacramento area residents registered for the company's Boarding Pass club card at the Roseville Galleria and Downtown Plaza malls in April and May, the company said.

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