New South Bend casino set to open

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Four Winds complex will include video gaming, four restaurants and three bars

SOUTH BEND — More than five years after the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians announced plans to build a casino northern Indiana, Four Winds South Bend stands ready to open next week.

In 2012, a notice of intent in the Federal Register publicly signaled the band’s intent to build a casino and tribal village on a 166-acre site on the city’s southwest side, south of Prairie Avenue.

Now, the freshly completed 175,000-square foot facility stands on the site, prepared to be the first Indian casino in the state of Indiana. And Tuesday at 4 p.m., four restaurants, three bars and a 55,000-square foot gaming floor will be open to the public.

Neon lights and electronic slots are mixed with architecture that pays homage to the tribe’s heritage, including a basket weave-inspired design in the front atrium and a large fireplace next to the entrance. The Potawatomi name translates to “people of the fire” and Pokagon Band vice chairman Bob Moody said once the fireplace is lit, it will never be extinguished.

Read the Full Article by Caleb Bauer at South Bend Tribune.com