Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will welcome guests in mid-November after construction progressed faster than originally expected. The $275 million project represents the largest casino investment in Iowa and will now reach completion earlier than planned.
“We have been fortunate to partner with many Iowa contractors and trade unions to work on the build of Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center,” said Stefan Huba, chief development officer at Peninsula Pacific Entertainment. “A strong plan, good architecture, strategic procurement, local labor and favorable weather have helped keep work ahead of schedule.”
Entertainment Plans Take Shape
The property has also announced the first performers scheduled for its Cedar Crossing Event Center. The venue is expected to stage more than 100 shows annually, with the program combining national performers with regional and local acts.
The Pork Tornadoes will begin the concert schedule on Nov. 25. Old Dominion will follow on Dec. 5, while Steve-O is booked for Dec. 12. The Eli Young Band is scheduled to perform on Jan. 22, 2027.
The announced calendar also includes Switchfoot, James “Murr” Murray, the Ying Yang Twins with Paul Wall, Parmalee, the Marshall Tucker Band, the Red Hot Chili Pipers, the Commodores and Carrot Top.
The event center will accommodate about 1,500 guests. Jocko’s Comedy Club will operate within the venue and will present Brooks Wheelan, Josh Blue and Greg Hahn through its Thursday Comedy Series.
“Cedar Crossing is designed to be much more than a casino,” said Kim Pang, executive vice president and general manager of Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center. “We’re creating a destination where guests can enjoy premier gaming, dining, comedy and concerts.”
Pang added: “Our goal is the deliver entertainment experiences that will enhance what is available in Cedar Rapids and provide new reasons for residents and visitors to spend time in our community.”
Tickets for the announced performances will go on sale Aug. 7 at 10 a.m. Charter Members will receive access to a presale beginning 24 hours before the public sale.
Grand Opening And Wider Community Plans
The casino’s formal grand opening celebration has also been brought forward. The event will run Dec. 4-5 instead of the previously scheduled Dec. 31 date.
The 160,000-square-foot property will include destination restaurants, among them the Clubhouse by Zach Johnson, as well as an Arts and Cultural Center. The operator is hiring for gaming, food and beverage, and hospitality positions, with recruitment expected to start in September. Available roles will be advertised through the casino’s website, LinkedIn and Indeed.
Cedar Crossing has also introduced a Points Partner Program allowing guests to use reward points at more than 20 local businesses. The initiative is intended to retain entertainment spending within the local economy and support the Cedar Rapids community.
Visitors will have access to a shuttle service linking the casino with hotels, downtown attractions and cultural destinations including Czech Village and New Bohemia.
The property will also contribute 8% of its net adjusted gross revenue to the Linn County Gaming Association, which will distribute support to nonprofit organizations across the Corridor.
Iowa Strengthens Action Against Sweepstakes Sites
Iowa has expanded its gambling enforcement framework with Senate File 2289, giving the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission greater authority to target unlicensed gambling operations, including sweepstakes-style platforms.
Effective July 1, 2026, the measure allows regulators to issue cease-and-desist orders and seek court action against unauthorized operators. The law does not create a specific sweepstakes casino ban but strengthens existing gambling rules by providing additional tools to address activities considered illegal under state law.
Source:
“Cedar Crossing Casino set to open ahead of schedule”, kwwl.com, July 30, 2026
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