They are getting ready to get rowdy in Reno.
The Grand Sierra Resort in Reno is set to begin construction on a massive $1 billion expansion, which is expected to transform the city’s landscape and significantly boost the local economy.
According to an article in The Reno Gazette Journal, the announcement follows the approval of a contentious tax increment financing (TIF) agreement, which has stirred considerable debate within the local community.
But some people think the project may help with the tourism decline Nevada has been experiencing lately.
Grand Sierra Resort (Reno) Project Overview
This ambitious development will feature a state-of-the-art, multipurpose arena with a seating capacity of 10,000.
The arena is designed to host the University of Nevada, Reno’s men’s basketball team, alongside a variety of concerts and large-scale entertainment events. Beyond the arena, the plan includes:
- An 800-room hotel tower
- A community ice rink
- A new 2,400-space parking garage
- Golf-related amenities
- Scenic walking paths
Spanning approximately 300,000 square feet, the expansion will be executed through a phased buildout.
Construction is slated to commence with a groundbreaking ceremony on September 30 at the resort’s northwest parking lot; however, this ceremony will not be accessible to the public.
Tax Increment and Financing Details
The expansion heavily relies on a TIF deal approved by the city of Reno, offering up to $61.3 million in property tax reimbursements.
This breaks down to 90% of the incremental tax increase until 2035, with the city retaining the remaining 10%, amounting to roughly $6.8 million over the agreement's duration.
Proponents, including the GSR and project backers, argue that the TIF deal is essential for redeveloping an area designated as “blighted,” while critics suggest that it may divert potential tax revenue away from vital local services.
As part of the deal, resort owner Alex Meruelo has pledged 5% of the TIF proceeds to support youth sports and has transferred a lease for a city fire station, reflecting his commitment to community engagement.
Timeline and Regional Impact For Grand Sierra Resort Reno
The initial construction phase of the expansion is valued at $189 million, with the arena targeted for completion by late summer 2027.
This project, celebrated as the largest private capital investment in Reno's history, is expected to significantly elevate the region's entertainment and tourism profile.
Resort officials and local leaders have underscored the development's potential to enhance student sports, stimulate economic growth, and upgrade the hospitality infrastructure in Reno and the broader Northern Nevada area.
Expansion Highlights
- Total Project Cost: $1 billion
- Arena Capacity: 10,000 seats
- TIF Tax Reimbursement: $61.3 million (90% of increment to 2035)
- Hotel Expansion: 800 rooms
- Initial Construction Phase: $189 million
- First Phase Features: Arena, hotel tower, parking garage, ice rink
- Timeline: Groundbreaking: Sept. 30, 2025; Opening: Summer 2027
As construction gears up to reshape Reno's skyline, the Grand Sierra Resort's ambitious expansion positions itself as a cornerstone of transformation for both entertainment and hospitality in the region. However, the debate over the utilization of public tax incentives continues to stir community discussions.
