Tutor Perini Building Corp. has been awarded a major construction contract valued at approximately $220 million for the phase 2 expansion phase of Eagle Mountain Casino. This contract marks another significant achievement in the ongoing transformation of the Tule River Tribe’s primary resort property.
The agreement, hired out by the Tule River Gaming Authority, will see Tutor Perini deliver an integrated hospitality and event infrastructure package at the 40-acre casino location at 1850 West Street in Porterville, off Highway 65 adjacent to the fairgrounds. The project will greatly expand the footprint and amenities of the casino as a full-service destination resort.
Scope of Phase 2: Hotel Tower, Events Center, and Resort Amenities
Phase 2, as outlined in the contract, will involve the construction of a 193-room tower hotel with a restaurant on the top floor offering panoramic views of the Sierra foothills. The expansion will also include a 2,000-seat events center with included convention space, breakout meeting rooms, and pre-function areas to host large events and private functions.
The project also introduces an entire set of new resort amenities including a spa, arcade, and resort pool, central warehouse, and new offices. The on-site restaurant will be expanded to meet the increased guest capacity brought about by Phase 2 completion.
Construction will begin in summer 2025, with major completion scheduled for 2027. Tutor Perini reported that contract value is being added to backlog in phases, with a preconstruction phase booked in Q2 2025 to begin. Additional construction-phase awards are scheduled later this year.
A Multi-Phase Vision for Eagle Mountain Casino Expansion
The new construction is supported by the successful opening of Phase 1, which opened in May 2023. That $200 million phase included the relocation of the casino from its original reservation site to the current 40-acre site in Porterville. It boasts a 100,000-square-foot casino floor, 1,750 slots, 20 tables, and a number of new restaurants such as River Steakhouse, 24-hour diner, coffee house, and sports bar and grill. A 2,000-seat multi-purpose event center was launched in the first phase.
Together, Phases 1 and 2 represent more than $420 million in new investment by the Tule River Tribe in its long-term vision of creating a destination resort that serves both tribal economic growth and jobs for the broader Central Valley region.
The new Eagle Mountain Casino was designed by HBG Design. HBG Design was selected as the designer and architect for Eagle Mountain Casino’s expansion project in Fall 2019.
Phase 2 Groundbreaking
The Phase 2 groundbreaking ceremony took place this past summer and featured remarks from members of the Tule River Tribal Council, tribal elder blessings and performance by cultural groups, and official unveiling of the new Eagle Mountain Casino and Resort logo.
Tribe leaders were eager to emphasize that this new stage is not just about growth, but about culture and heritage strength. “This is a vision taking flight,” one council member said during the ceremony. “We are building not just a destination, but a future for our people.”
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What’s Next: Phase 3 on the Horizon
Sighting further into the future, beyond 2027, the Tule River Tribe has signaled that Phase 3 is included as part of the master plan for the complex long-term. Although specifics are still in the works, Phase 3 should incorporate more entertainment facilities, tribal government buildings, educational and health facilities, and additional hospitality or event amenity additions.
After all stages are complete, Eagle Mountain Casino and Resort will offer an integrated experience that combines gaming, hospitality, cultural programming, and tribal community development on trust land.
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Eagle Mountain Casino Phase 2 Expansion: Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Client: Tule River Gaming Authority (Tule River Tribe)
Contractor: Tutor Perini Building Corp.
Contract Value: $220 million
Location: 1850 West Street, Porterville, CA (40-acre site near Highway 65)
Project Scope
193-Room Hotel Tower
Full-service hospitality accommodations
Rooftop restaurant with Sierra foothills views
2,000-Seat Events Center
Integrated convention space
Breakout meeting rooms
Pre-function areas for large gatherings and private events
Resort Amenities
Full-service spa
Arcade entertainment facility
Resort-style pool complex
Central warehouse and office spaces
Expansion of existing on-site restaurant
Project Timeline
Construction Start: Summer 2025
Completion: 2027
Project Context
Phase 1 Completion (May 2023): $200 million investment
100,000 sq ft gaming floor
1,750 slot machines, 20 table games
Multiple dining venues (River Steakhouse, 24-hour diner, coffee house, sports bar)
2,000-seat multi-purpose event center
Total Investment: Phases 1 & 2 represent $420+ million in tribal economic development
Future Development: Phase 3 planned for post-2027, including additional entertainment venues, tribal government facilities, and education/health
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