The Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has accelerated its opening date from New Year’s Eve to mid-November 2026.
This ambitious $275 million initiative, spearheaded by Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) based in Los Angeles, originally set its opening for December 31. However, project managers now report that construction is progressing ahead of schedule, thus enabling an earlier launch.
“We have been fortunate to collaborate with numerous local contractors and trade unions to construct Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center. Effective planning, excellent architecture, strategic sourcing, local labor, and favorable weather conditions have all contributed to our progress,” stated Stefan Huba, Chief Development Officer at P2E.
Despite facing a lawsuit for much of the construction period, the progress has continued unabated.
Just a year ago, Elite Casino Resorts, which owns Riverside Casino & Golf Resort and is believed to be most affected by the new casino in Cedar Rapids, withdrew its legal challenge against the 2021 gaming referendum in Linn County. This referendum was passed by voters, authorizing the development of Cedar Crossing Casino.
Attractions at Cedar Crossing
Situated along the picturesque Cedar River, the Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center boasts a sprawling 160,000-square-foot complex that includes a 1,500-capacity entertainment venue, diverse dining options, and a STEM lab known as the Compass Center, which features its own dedicated entrance.
A standout culinary destination is the Clubhouse by Zach Johnson, a premium steakhouse offering locally sourced cuts, craft cocktails, and regional brews. Zach Johnson, an Iowa native, is renowned for winning the 2007 Masters and the 2015 Open Championship, as well as serving as the 2003 Ryder Cup captain.
The casino itself plans to launch with approximately 700 slot machines, 22 live dealer table games, and a state-of-the-art sportsbook. Additionally, the venue will allocate 8% of its net adjusted gross revenue to the Linn County Gaming Association, supporting nonprofit organizations—a substantial increase compared to the mandated 3% charitable contribution.
The casino is actively seeking to fill various positions across multiple departments and experience levels. To explore more, click here.
Exciting Acts Scheduled
The opening festivities at Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center will feature a performance by Old Dominion, one of the top acts in country music, on December 5, showcasing their numerous No. 1 hits.
Additional opening acts lined up for the venue include comedian Brooks Wheelan on December 10, “Jackass” star Steve-O on December 12, and comedian Josh Blue on December 17.
Looking ahead, the Cedar Crossing Casino Event Center is set to become a prominent destination for country music concerts, with Eli Young Band performing on January 22, 2027, and The Marshall Tucker Band scheduled for March 13.