Guests snap photos of the massive space, and munch on breakfast foods below ice sculptures in the likeness of the tribe’s symbol and the logo of the Casino. Ribbon dancers take turns tumbling high above the crowd, as the Cowlitz Drum Group perform ancient tribal songs on the stage.

The 30,000-square-foot Meeting and Entertainment Center at ilani Casino can hold up to 2,800 people for concerts. “It’s a quality experience, no matter when and how you come here.” “It’s a more complete entertainment value,” Iyall says, meaning the casino and restaurants available within the 368,000 square foot building. Iyall says those design elements help to set them apart from the Clark County Event Center and Amphitheater just down I-5. You’ll notice beautiful woodwork, limestone accents, and plush carpeting.

“The design is inspired by the warm cedar plank houses that were utilized as a gathering space.” “It’s really representative of the Cowlitz culture,” she says. Kara Fox-LaRose is the resort’s president and general manager. The 22,000-square-foot meeting space at the Casino can seat up to 2,800 people for a concert, or accommodate up to 1,000 for a seated meal. It represents a resurgence of meaning and opportunity for the Cowlitz people. The chairwoman explained that the decision to move toward self-management was a natural evolution for the tribe and was similar to decisions made by other Northwest tribes.For those of the Cowlitz Tribe that remained, and others around the country, the rise of ilani represents more than just an entertainment spot. Patty Kinswa-Gaiser, Chairwoman of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe In the statement, Kinswa-Gaiser said the timing of the announcement 'provides ample notice for (the Cowlitz Tribe Gaming Authority) to begin a deliberate, professional and multi-step process, evolving ilani from its current fully-managed state to one where it is assisted with management and, ultimately, to independent self-management.' Patty Kinswa-Gaiser, Chairwoman of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, said: 'After careful consideration, the Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority has recommended, and the Cowlitz Tribal Council has approved, a decision to begin a multi-step process of transitioning ilani from an enterprise managed by the Mohegan Tribe to a self-managed enterprise.' The Cowlitz Indian Tribe announced Tuesday that it will end its six-year relationship with the Connecticut-based Mohegan Tribe, which oversees operations of its ilani casino in Ridgefield, Washington State.

Ilani casino