Pokagon Band of Potawatomi announce details on new casino

Four Winds South Bend will include 1,800 Class II gaming devices, four restaurants, a player’s lounge, a coffee shop, two bars, and a retail outlet
 
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – December 7, 2016 – The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is pleased to announce that it has started construction on a new casino located on its Trust Land in South Bend.  The casino will be called Four Winds South Bend, sharing the Four Winds brand with other Pokagon casino locations including New Buffalo, Hartford and Dowagiac, Mich.  The first phase of Four Winds South Bend will have 175,000 square feet and include 1,800 Class II gaming devices, four restaurants, a player’s lounge, a coffee shop, three bars, a retail outlet, and approximately 4,500 parking spaces including an enclosed parking structure.  The casino is scheduled to be complete in early of 2018 and will employ approximately 1,200 people.  Approximately 700 jobs will be created during construction. 
 
“We are very excited to begin construction on Four Wind South Bend.  Once operating, it will generate revenue to fund services and programs that will create additional economic opportunities for Pokagon Citizens, the city of South Bend, and also fund community projects, local organizations and schools,” said John P. Warren, Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. 
 
“On behalf of the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA), I would like to congratulate the Pokagon Band on its historic 166 acre Tribal Homeland Restoration,” said Ernie Stevens Jr., Chairman of NIGA.  “This 22-year journey has been a long one for Pokagon Citizens.  We are happy to see the United States fulfilling its promises from Treaties made long ago.  It is only fair and just for the sacrifices our Elders made on our behalf.”
 
“When Four Winds New Buffalo opened nine years ago, it set a new standard for gaming in the Midwest.  It has since received more than 300 local and national awards,” said Frank Freedman, Chief Operating Officer of Four Winds Casinos.  “Four Winds South Bend will offer the same high-level of service and amenities that our guests have come to expect including signature restaurants such as Copper Rock Steakhouse and The Buffet.  We look forward to providing more details on the property as well as information about job fairs and vendor fairs as we progress through construction.”