Iowa's Cedar Crossing Casino to Open Mid-November With Debut Entertainment Lineup
2026-07-31
Source: Yogonet
Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center will open in mid-November, ahead of schedule, marking the end of a long effort to bring a casino to Cedar Rapids. Its first slate of music and comedy acts has been announced, with tickets going on sale Aug. 7.
The long wait for a casino in Cedar Rapids is almost over. Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center is set to welcome guests starting in mid-November, arriving ahead of the timeline originally planned for the development. With a price tag of $275 million, it is the largest casino investment ever made in Iowa.
Work on the property has progressed faster than anticipated. Stefan Huba, Chief Development Officer at Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, said the project benefited from collaboration with Iowa contractors and trade unions, as well as careful planning, strategic procurement, local labor, and favorable weather. "A strong plan, good architecture, strategic procurement, local labor and favorable weather have helped keep work ahead of schedule," he said.
Plans to build the venue took shape over decades. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission turned down earlier proposals in 2014 and 2017, but later gave the green light. An economic impact study published last year estimated the casino could generate $2.25 billion in benefits across Iowa.
The 160,000-square-foot complex will be more than a gambling floor. It is set to include destination restaurants, the Clubhouse by Zach Johnson, an Arts and Cultural Center, and a 1,500-seat event center that could host more than 100 performances a year from national, regional, and local acts.
The inaugural music lineup features the Pork Tornadoes on Nov. 25, followed by Old Dominion on Dec. 5, Steve-O on Dec. 12, and the Eli Young Band on Jan. 22, 2027. Other names on the calendar 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.
A dedicated comedy space is also part of the mix. Jocko's Comedy Club will run a Thursday Comedy Series with appearances from Brooks Wheelan, Josh Blue, and Greg Hahn.
Kim Pang, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cedar Crossing, described the project as a destination rather than a traditional casino. "Cedar Crossing is designed to be much more than a casino," she said, pointing to gaming, dining, comedy, and live entertainment as the core offerings. Pang said the goal is to "provide new reasons for residents and visitors to spend time in our community."
The grand opening festivities have been shifted from Dec. 31 to Dec. 4-5. Tickets for the announced shows go on sale Aug. 7, and Charter Members will receive presale access 24 hours before the general public.
Recruiting is already underway across gaming operations, food and beverage, and hospitality positions, with hiring campaigns slated to begin in September on the casino's website, LinkedIn, and Indeed.
Local ties extend beyond entertainment. A Points Partner Program lets reward members redeem points at more than 20 surrounding businesses, and a shuttle service will connect the casino with hotels, downtown Cedar Rapids, and the Czech Village and New Bohemia districts. The property will also send 8% of its net adjusted gross revenue to the Linn County Gaming Association, supporting nonprofits across the Corridor.