Fantasy Springs raises bar for destination casinos

Public Record, The, Jan 25, 2005 by Kleinschmidt, Janice

Vegas-style, Vegas-worthy, Vegas-like.

The time has come to stop using Las Vegas as the benchmark for local casinos. A Vegas developer at the grand opening celebration of Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Jan. 13 could aspire to match that spectacle.

Marking a $200 million expansion of its entertainment venue, the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians fittingly created a "fantasyland" in the plaza between their new hotel and special events center. Balagan cirque performers displayed acrobatic prowess and provided amusement as they circulated through the crowd. Synchronized swimmers made the most of the 100foot-long, beach entry," curved pool. Beach-attired twentysomethings played volleyball on the adjacent sand court. Kool and the Gang energized the crowd from a stage in one corner of the plaza, while a 17-by-22-foot LED screen across the way displayed a streaming pastiche of the scene (thanks to two cameras on the roof of the 12-story hotel and three on the ground). All around the terraced plaza were bars (some specifically for martinis), tables of hors d'oeuvres and standingheight tables glowing in alternate pastel hues from lights under white tablecloths. Also subtly glowing with the Fantasy Springs name were 36-inch light globes. Heat lamps, torches and a large fire pit kept the evening chill at bay. Wait staff circulated through the crowd with trays of hot hors d'oeuvres. And guests - which included active and retired politicians - mingled, danced to the music and toured the grounds landscaped with multiple water features; stone walkways, walls and bridge over a fogenhanced fountain; and an amphitheater with tiled, curved benches.

After Kool and Gang closed with their hit "Celebration." a disembodied voice called guests' attention to the hotel roof, where ... poof ... a cirque acrobat stepped into the void and slid 1,000 feet down a cable to the lower end of the plaza - the cue that dinner was about to be served in the 100,000-squarefoot Special Events Center.

The three-course dinner for 1,200 was accompanied by a tribal blessing and remarks from Cabazon officials, as well as former Gov. Gray Davis and Mickey Rooney. After dinner, the Balagan troupe - scheduled to perform through Jan. 23 - presented the same degree of acrobatic feats and musical artistry as that of the better-known Cirque du Soleil. As guests - who received gift boxes with turquoise pins made by the Zuni Pueblo and bundles of sage - filed out of the Special Events Center following the show, they were handed glasses of champagne with long-stemmed strawberries.

Back in the plaza, the Balagan performer assumed the stance of a rocket and soared back up the cable to the hotel rooftop. With their eyes thus directed, guests were further entertained by a musically choreographed fireworks show from the roof that included a sparkler waterfall down the face of the hotel.

Produced by Dick Taylor Productions of Palm Springs, each detail of the opening celebration was custom-designed to show off the property and leave a memorable impression. Soon, more large crowds will gather in the plaza to attend concerts in the Special Events Center: the Steve Miller Band on Feb. 7 and 8, Bonnie Raitt on Feb. 27 and Huey Lewis & The News on March 10. The center, which seats more than 4,000 for concerts and sporting events, also can be configured to accommodate multiple events with meeting space, exhibit halls and ballrooms.

The 250-room hotel features 10 suites with plasma-screen televisions and 240 guest rooms with 27-inch flat televisions; all rooms are wired for high-speed Internet. On the top floor is the Sunset View Lounge, with full-length windows/doors and a balcony overlooking the plaza. At its entry is an alcove with a billiard table and inside groupings of sofas, chairs, ottomans and cocktail tables for easy conversation. The lounge, which seats 63 inside and 34 on the outdoor terrace, operates 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. weekdays and 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on weekends. with nightly entertainment.

Views are also part of the atmosphere in the more intimate Terrace Lounge off the lobby, where glass walls on three sides open to balconies. Facing loveseats with pillows add to the homey atmosphere. The lounge seats 43 inside and 21 outside and is open 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. weekends.

The VolleyBar, just off the plaza, is open to the outside by a series of French doors. Primarily targeted as a venue for registered guests to enjoy a beverage while overlooking the pool and surrounding areas, it is open from 9 a.m. to sunset.

New restaurants include The Bistro, a 115-seat restaurant between the casino and hotel lobbvy. In addition to inside seating (including a five-seat sushi bar) and terrace seating, it offers a private dining room for nine people. The Bistro is open for lunch and dinner.

The Fresh Grill Buffet. directly off the casino floor, seats 195 inside and 50 outdoors. Multiple cooking stations provide a variety of food themes. including Italian, Mexican, Asian, American, and Brazilian. It also features salad and dessert bars. The buffet serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a Sunday champagne brunch.