The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and hospitality investment firm LionGrove recently confirmed that the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino at the Fairmont Hotel in Puerto Rico opened its doors for the first time to welcome visitors for a soft launch on Nov. 17, according to a press release.
A grand opening celebration to officially open the venue is planned for January 2022, and no passports will be required for U.S. residents in attendance.
"This past January, we made the historic announcement that this iconic casino would reopen its doors. After a lot of work, today I am pleased to be present to formalize the opening of Foxwoods El San Juan Casino," Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi said in the press release. "With Foxwoods El San Juan Casino's capital investment of $12.5 million, the casino will positively impact our economy and create over 150 direct jobs. I remain committed to the economic development of our Island, through efforts like Foxwoods El San Juan Casino, to boost tourism growth and investment in Puerto Rico."
The new casino is located in the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, and efforts have been made to preserve the historic character of the iconic site.
"Today is a landmark milestone for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation as we expand the Foxwoods Resort Casino brand – for the first time ever – to the Caribbean," Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Chairman Rodney Butler said in the press release. "We're honored to bring real economic value and tourism to the region – including an estimated economic impact of $22 million – with the launch of Foxwoods El San Juan Casino and remain a committed partner as we help build a bright future for the island. We thank our partners at LionGrove and Fairmont El San Juan for making this happen."
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation also owns and operates the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. Recently named the No. 1 "Best Casino" by USA Today readers for the third time, Foxwoods offers AAA Four-Diamond hotels featuring over 2,200 rooms, alongside spas, theaters and other activities.