Saracen Casino Resort Moves Closer to Completion with Topping-Off Ceremony
PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Excitement buzzed through the Pine Bluff community on Tuesday as residents, officials, and construction workers gathered to commemorate a significant milestone in the development of the Saracen Casino Resort. This event marked the topping-off ceremony of the casino’s impressive 14-story hotel, a highly anticipated addition that promises to elevate the resort’s allure and impact on the local economy.
A Symbol of Progress
The topping-off ceremony is a traditional event in the construction industry that celebrates the placement of the final beam atop a structure. It signifies the vertical completion of the building, and at Saracen Casino Resort, this was a cause for celebration. Wena Supernaw, the Business Committee Chair for the casino’s owners, the Quapaw Nation, expressed her enthusiasm for reaching this critical juncture.
“That’s the final major exterior construction,” Supernaw noted, emphasizing that this accomplishment opens the door for comprehensive interior work, which requires both time and meticulous care.
A Beacon of Destination Leisure
Carlton Saffa, representing the Saracen Casino Resort, articulated the significance of the ceremony by referring to the hotel as a "destination." “We’ve said for a long time that Saracen is a place to visit and one heck of a destination,” Saffa stated. With the hotel now standing approximately 200 feet high, its top beam is a point of visual pride that can be seen from miles away, symbolizing the ambitious reach of the project.
In an appreciative gesture, hundreds of construction workers were treated to a meal after the ceremony, a heartfelt acknowledgment of their dedication and hard work. Their efforts place the hotel’s expected completion date in the fall of 2025, a timeline that many in the community are eagerly anticipating.
Economic Benefits for the Community
Saffa elaborated on how the new hotel will enhance the overall experience for visitors. “About 70% of our employees live in Jefferson County,” he shared, "but about 70% of our customers come from Little Rock." With the introduction of hotel accommodations, the resort aims to encourage longer stays from out-of-town visitors, which could foster increased economic activity and benefit local businesses.
Supernaw echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from local leaders and residents. "Jefferson County has been so welcoming and supportive," she remarked. The collaboration between local officials, including Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington, and the Saracen Casino Resort has cultivated a strong partnership aimed at mutual success.
Setting Ambitious Goals
With the project progressing, Saffa made bold assertions about the future of the casino. He emphasized the potential for Saracen to compete on a larger stage, stating, "We know that we can now become an attractive market for places like Dallas." Saffa assured that the resort, while not the largest in the South, would claim the title of the “nicest casino in the south,” aiming to attract visitors from Texas and throughout the mid-South.
In addition to the hotel, the resort’s plans include an event center that is also expected to debut in the fall of 2025. This expansion will further solidify Saracen Casino Resort as a key player in the regional hospitality and entertainment scenes.
A Bright Future Ahead
The topping-off ceremony at Saracen Casino Resort is more than just a construction milestone; it represents a vision of community growth, economic opportunity, and regional collaboration. As Pine Bluff prepares to welcome this luxurious hotel, the city looks eagerly toward the future, where the Saracen Casino Resort stands as a beacon of prosperity and tourism. With the community rallying around this promising development, the excitement is palpable, setting the stage for what is sure to be an incredible journey ahead.
