Foxwoods To Open Casino In Puerto Rico

LEDYARD, CT — The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and LionGrove have announced a partnership to reopen El San Juan Casino as the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino. The new casino will add a $12.5 million investment in addition to a recently completed renovation for the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, resulting in a total investment of $137.5 million.

This investment and the opening of the casino are anticipated to generate an estimated economic impact of $22 million, creating a projected 360 new jobs in the region, with over 150 of those being at the casino, according to a statement from Foxwoods.

In addition to redeveloping the casino, the two partners also announced the reopening of the Tropicoro entertainment venue.

Having originally debuted in the 1960s, the El San Juan became "one of the most luxurious and sought after casino destinations in the world, defined by its classic European style, iconic crystal chandeliers and hand-carved, mahogany-paneled walls," according to a statement.

Over the years, the Tropicoro stage drew stars such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Martin, Liza Minnelli, Rita Moreno, and Paul Anka.

"Our success and experience with operating Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut will allow us to effectively expand our footprint and bring award-winning gaming experiences to Puerto Rico," Rodney Butler, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Chairman, said in a statement. "We’re teaming up with one of the most sophisticated players in the market. Bringing together our resort experience and expertise with Fairmont El San Juan’s renowned brand, we believe we can bring real economic and employment growth to Puerto Rico. In addition to offering guests a one-of-a-kind luxury resort destination, the development will bring revenue, value and tourism to the area."

The 15,000-square-foot casino is expected to open by the end of this year.