An $85 million construction project at Wildhorse Resort and

Casino near Pendleton will add a new 24-lane bowling alley, food court and

larger arcade.

Work began last month on the first phase of the project that

includes the expansion of the Children’s Entertainment Center, a

family-friendly wing filled with video games, jungle gym and karaoke, and

Cineplex concession area.

The project’s second phase — a new hotel tower with 214

rooms and bigger events center — is expected to begin in a few months.

The whole project will add about 300,000 square feet to the

existing facility.

Wildhorse, owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of

the Umatilla Indian Reservation, is about 75 miles southeast of the Tri-Cities

in Oregon.

Visitors to the resort will see changes

in traffic flow for pedestrians and drivers, both inside and outside the main

building as contractors move equipment on site and fence off areas for

construction. 

Chief Executive Officer Gary George encouraged the public to

watch for signs so they know where to go. 

“Our goal is to make this expansion as seamless as possible

for our guests,” George said. “We’ll have ample signage in the parking areas

and inside the resort to direct guests and make it easy for them to reach their

destination.”

While some parking areas will be consumed by the

construction, new parking areas will be built to add about 200 more spaces.

Customers are encouraged to use shuttles and valet service

to avoid lengthy walks at those times when the resort is busiest.

The main entrance to the Cineplex will be moved, and once

inside, moviegoers and hotel guests will find the walkway rerouted and clearly

marked. Even so, moviegoers may want to arrive earlier than usual.

The general contractor for the project is Lydig Construction

of Kennewick.

The resort features a 24-hour casino, hotel, RV park, seven

restaurants, a five-screen Cineplex, 18-hole golf course, travel plaza for

commercial trucks and private vehicles and a tribal museum.

Last expanded in 2011, Wildhorse offers more than 1,200

slots, table games, live keno, bingo and live entertainment Thursday to

Saturday.