Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center will open in mid-November, ahead of its original schedule, after construction progressed faster than expected.
The $275 million development, the largest casino investment in Iowa, also announced its first lineup of entertainment acts. The casino was initially scheduled to open later in the year.
“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.”
The event centre will host more than 100 shows annually, featuring national, regional, and local performers.
The Pork Tornadoes will open the concert series on Nov. 25. Other scheduled performances include Old Dominion on Dec. 5, Steve-O on Dec. 12, and the Eli Young Band on Jan. 22, 2027. Additional acts include 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 1,500-seat venue will also include Jocko’s Comedy Club, which will host comedians such as Brooks Wheelan, Josh Blue, and Greg Hahn as part of 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. She said the venue aims to become a destination for gaming, dining, comedy, and live entertainment.
“Our goal is to 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,” Pang added.
The casino’s grand opening celebration has been moved to December 4 to 5 from its previously planned December 31 launch. The 160,000-square-foot property will include destination restaurants, including the Clubhouse by Zach Johnson and an Arts and Cultural Center.
Tickets for all announced performances will go on sale on August 7, with Charter Members receiving presale access 24 hours before the general public.
Cedar Crossing is also hiring across gaming operations, food and beverage, and hospitality, with recruitment expected to begin in September through the casino’s website, LinkedIn, and Indeed.
The casino also launched its Points Partner Program, allowing guests to redeem rewards at more than 20 local businesses. It will also operate a shuttle service linking the property with nearby hotels, downtown attractions, and the Czech Village and New Bohemia districts.
The property will contribute 8% of its net adjusted gross revenue to the Linn County Gaming Association to support nonprofit organisations across the Corridor.
The opening follows a decades-long effort to bring a casino to Cedar Rapids. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission rejected proposals in 2014 and 2017 before eventually approving the project.
A study released last year estimated that Cedar Crossing could generate a $2.25 billion economic impact across Iowa.