Proposed $275 million gaming venue breaks ground, set to open New Year’s Eve 2026

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Feb. 7, 2025) – Cedar Rapids Development Group (CRDG) – a subsidiary of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) – and the Linn County Gaming Association (LCGA) held a groundbreaking ceremony today at the future site of Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center. Nonprofit groups, union representatives, business leaders and city officials joined the group to celebrate this milestone and share the next steps for development and construction. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) approved a gaming license for Cedar Crossing in a 4-1 vote during its February meeting at Prairie Meadows in Altoona.

“We are so thankful to the Commission for giving us a fair shot at sharing our vision and for making Cedar Crossing a reality,” said CRDG President Jonathan Swain. “This is a huge step in a long journey, and we are ready to deliver on our promise to Linn County and the State of Iowa.”

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, the project moves into its next critical phase with the official closing on final pieces of real estate paving the way for development. Construction activities will start with preparation work at the Cedar Crossing site on Monday, Feb. 10, including establishing proper elevations for flood control and on-site stormwater storage, as well as maintenance.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, P2E Founder and Chairman Brent Stevens announced that Cedar Crossing will open on New Year’s Eve, 2026.

Site Development Plans and Amenities

Cedar Crossing is a $275 million investment – the largest gaming project in Iowa’s history and one of the largest development plans in recent memory. At its heart, the project will include 700 slot machines and 22 table games, delivering an unparalleled gaming experience. Destined to be more than just a casino, Cedar Crossing will be designed to be a premier entertainment destination.

Cedar Crossing will feature a vibrant mix of restaurants that will cater to every taste, including:

Clubhouse by Zach Johnson, developed with Iowa’s champion golfer, the winner of the Masters and the Open, will be a relaxed, chef-run steakhouse featuring locally sourced steaks and chops, local brews and crafted cocktails.

World’s Fare will capture the essence of street food from various cultures, featuring dishes like Indian street food tacos, Korean-inspired crispy fried chicken, Mediterranean wraps, Tokyo tempura, French crêpes, Spanish churros and more.

River’s Edge Smokehouse and Tap will offer farm-fresh meals, featuring the Iowa Titan Tenderloin, pub burgers, pulled pork, beef brisket and signature BBQ ribs. Live music takes center stage, featuring the best of rock, country and blues.

The facility will also feature a 1,500-capacity entertainment venue that will host top-tier performances and events, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond. This venue will raise the bar for entertainment options by attracting new energy and cementing a dynamic entertainment district

 The project will also include an Arts & Cultural Center that will become a cornerstone of community engagement, alongside a cutting-edge STEM lab designed to inspire and educate the next generation of innovators.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for the thousands of people who will benefit from new jobs, economic opportunities and entertainment possibilities created by Cedar Crossing,” said Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell. “Iowa’s second-largest city has finally been given the opportunity that our residents, business leaders, nonprofits and surrounding communities have sought for years. Cedar Crossing will create new revenue for the state and bring new visitors every year – a solid win for every Iowan.”

Cedar Crossing will be built on the northwest side of Cedar Rapids at the former Cooper’s Mill site. The entertainment facility will revitalize an area that has not fully recovered from the devastating 2008 flood that inundated more than 10 square miles of the city. Given that this is a flood-prone area, developers will make several improvements and reinforcements at the site, including building the complex above the flood plain.

Tax Revenues, Tourism and Jobs

Two studies report the economic impact Cedar Crossing will have on Iowa: According to a July 2024 study by Convergency Strategy Group (CSG) – a leading consulting firm in the casino gaming and leisure industries – Cedar Crossing is anticipated to draw 1.1 million visitors annually. The facility will spur additional capital investments, revitalizing the area with new businesses, retail shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

CSG also found that Cedar Crossing will contribute an estimated $80.2 million of new taxable revenue for the state of Iowa, which is an increase from a 2021 market study that showed a Cedar Rapids casino would create new taxable revenues of $51 million.

In addition to gaming-related taxes and distributions, the State of Iowa and Linn County will benefit from direct and indirect spending, ranging from sales and use taxes to incremental income and property taxes. CSG projects that annual incremental sales taxes generated by Cedar Crossing will be $2 million for the state and $300,000 for Linn County. Annual income tax revenues for the state are projected to total approximately $1.1 million.

During the construction phase, the project should sustain 931 construction jobs on site, and an additional 805 indirect jobs throughout the regional and state economy – a total of 1,736 jobs, of which 992 are expected in Linn County. Once operational, Cedar Crossing will create 300 full-time jobs.

In January 2025, Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS) – an Iowa-based economic research and analysis firm – released a comprehensive economic impact study on Cedar Crossing that projects an economic impact of $257 million during the construction phase and $183 million in the first year of operations. In total, from construction and the first 10 years of operations, this project represents more than $2.25 billion in economic impact.

Nonprofit Support

Cedar Crossing has long committed to contributing 8% of net adjusted gross revenue (AGR) to nonprofit organizations – the highest in the state. CSG found that approximately $6.3 million will be distributed annually to area nonprofit organizations, one of the reasons so many local organizations have enthusiastically voiced their support for a gaming facility in Linn County.

“For years, we have championed the Corridor nonprofits and their work here in the region – and we have witnessed the financial strain they are under to support our community’s critical needs. Today, we know they will have an impact on our community unlike anything before thanks to Cedar Crossing,” said LCGA President Anne Parmley. “We are so thankful for our nonprofits’ support – and we are even more grateful that they will finally realize the same levels of contributions that others in the state have benefited from.”

The Time is Now

“For years, we have asked Corridor residents to imagine the possibilities that Cedar Crossing can offer,” Swain said. “We are so thankful for the continued enthusiasm and passion shared by our large group of supporters – and finally, today, we can say that the time is now for Cedar Crossing to deliver and make those possibilities a reality.”

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Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission meeting provides chance for residents to address state regulators on the life-changing impact of local casino

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Nov. 20, 2024) – Numerous local supporters – including elected officials, business leaders, nonprofit executives and residents – turned out in droves today to share their interest in seeing Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center become a reality. The speakers shared comments at a special Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) meeting, part of the Commission’s application process for issuing a gaming license to joint applicants Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E), a gaming operator, and the Linn County Gaming Association (LCGA), a nonprofit organization.

“We are thrilled that so many people came out to show their support for Cedar Crossing,” said LCGA President Anne Parmley. “It was important that the Commission hear from the residents and community leaders who have said time and again that they want Cedar Crossing. Linn County understands the incredible impact Cedar Crossing will have for our region and the state and we are grateful for their ongoing, vocal support of the project.”

The IRGC was also welcomed to a site visit by P2E this morning, where topics included how Cedar Crossing will interact with existing businesses, the convenience and safety of guests​, amenities, flood control and how customers will have a positive, safe experience.

“Residents want Cedar Crossing: P2E and LCGA enjoy widespread support because they are determined to build an entertainment magnet that will create careers, bring tourists to the region and provide new revenues that won’t be delivered by any other project,” said Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell. “As we get closer to the Commission’s gaming license decision, it’s clear that Cedar Crossing is the best and only option to bring economic prosperity to the Corridor.”

Today’s site visit and public comment meeting were the next step in a monthslong process set by the IRGC to evaluate the gaming application proposed by P2E and the LCGA. Linn County residents have voted twice in support of a local casino. P2E has been the operator of choice for the City of Cedar Rapids, and enjoys the additional backing of multiple government, business and nonprofit organizations.

“Cedar Rapids and Linn County have sought this project for more than a decade, which is why we have continued to demonstrate how Cedar Crossing will boost the economy and nonprofit support,” Parmley said. “The time is now for Cedar Crossing, and for the Corridor to benefit from the kind of life-changing impact that until now has only been a dream.”

BETTENDORF, Iowa (Oct. 3, 2024) – Today, Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E), a national gaming operator and developer, and the Linn County Gaming Association (LCGA), a local nonprofit association, jointly presented their gaming license application to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) for the proposed Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center.

P2E executives, including Brent Stevens, Jonathan Swain and Aaron Gomes, showcased highlights from the project such as slot and table games, as well as amenities, including a 1,500-seat event center, restaurants and an Arts & Cultural Center. Cedar Crossing will also have a STEM Lab that features education-based experiences.

“Cedar Crossing will draw visitors from across the state and beyond. This venue is poised to become the driving force of Cedar Rapids’ revitalized downtown, infusing the area with new energy and excitement,” Swain said. “Cedar Rapids is a city on the rise, experiencing significant population growth, and the community has rallied behind Cedar Crossing, recognizing its potential to fuel further growth and development.”

Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell spoke about community support for Cedar Crossing at the meeting.

 “What truly sets Cedar Crossing apart from other casinos is that the project has deep roots – it isn’t just backed by organizations,” O’Donnell said. “Cedar Crossing proudly stands with the support of a diverse group of small business owners, community leaders, and everyday residents who believe deeply in the positive impact the casino will have for our region. They recognize that Cedar Crossing is not just about gaming; it is about growth opportunities and revitalization.”

P2E and LCGA have previously committed to contributing 8% of Cedar Crossing’s net adjusted gross revenue (AGR) to nonprofit organizations – the highest in the state. Iowa mandates that licensed casinos donate at least 3% to nonprofits. The $6.3 million in annual contributions will be a major boost to area organizations, a reason so many local organizations have voiced their support for the project.

“Since I became president of the LCGA three years ago, I was convinced that the revenue a local casino would generate for our community nonprofits would be life-changing,” said Anne Parmley, president of the LCGA. “Three years later, that need is still there. Organizations are strained more now than before. As we look at how these contributions can positively impact homelessness, affordable housing, veterans’ services and senior care – among many, many other causes – we can be proud of how much the region will benefit, as well as how this pie gets bigger for the state, if Cedar Crossing becomes a reality.”

Cedar Crossing development plans were shared with the public at a press conference in September. During today’s meeting, a video was shared that featured a look indoors from guests’ point of view, including the gaming space, restaurants and other property details.

 Earlier this year, P2E commissioned a gaming market study that was conducted by Convergence Strategy Group (CSG). Suzanne Leckert, co-founder and partner at CSG, shared details of the study at today’s IRGC meeting and described the positive economic impact that Cedar Crossing will have on Cedar Rapids, the Corridor and the state of Iowa.

“In addition to more than 500 jobs created once it is operational, Cedar Crossing is projected to contribute greatly to state, county and city budgets,” Leckert said. “These jobs created and related earnings and spending will move their way through the economy and tax receipts.”

In August, the IRGC selected The Innovation Group and Marquette Advisors to prepare gaming market studies as part of the commission’s consideration for a gaming license. The IRGC has scheduled a Cedar Crossing site visit that will follow a Q&A/public comment meeting at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. The commission will vote on granting a license on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.

“This is no longer just about building a casino – it’s about building a future for Cedar Rapids. The city has seen population growth and unmet demand for entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences, and we’re here to meet that need,” Stevens said. “We’ve expanded the scope of Cedar Crossing t will draw people to Cedar Rapids, support local businesses, and become a cornerstone of the community.”

For more information, please visit CedarCrossing.com.

Proposed $275 million gaming venue will transform Cedar Rapids through premier entertainment, financial impact, nonprofit support

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Sept. 16, 2024) – Today, Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) and the Linn County Gaming Association (LCGA) unveiled plans for Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center, the proposed $275 million development to be built on the former Cooper’s Mill site, on Cedar Rapids’ northwest side. Last month, P2E and the LCGA jointly submitted their gaming license application to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC), and together will present their application in October.

The proposed design, amenities and economic impact of Cedar Crossing were shared during a news conference today. Market study results show $80.2 million in new revenue to the state of Iowa because of Cedar Crossing. The study, commissioned by P2E and conducted by Convergence Strategy Group (CSG), also forecasts job creation and revenues for the proposed project.

“Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center will be a transformative addition to the region and a major source of new revenue for the state,” said P2E’s Jonathan Swain. “We are excited to share our plans for this state-of-the-art facility, which will offer gaming experiences, and a variety of amenities and attractions designed to enhance both the local community and the visitor experience.”

Site Development Plans and Amenities

Cedar Crossing is a $275 million investment – the largest gaming project in Iowa’s history and one of the largest development plans in recent memory. At its heart, the project includes 700 slot machines and 22 table games, delivering an unparalleled gaming experience. Destined to be more than just a casino, Cedar Crossing will be designed to be a premier entertainment destination.

Cedar Crossing will feature a vibrant mix of restaurants that will cater to every taste, including:

• Clubhouse by Zach Johnson, developed with Iowa’s champion golfer, the winner of the Masters and the Open, will be a relaxed, chef-run steakhouse featuring locally sourced steaks and chops, local brews and crafted cocktails.

• World’s Fare will capture the essence of street food from various cultures, featuring dishes like Indian street food tacos, Korean-inspired crispy fried chicken, Mediterranean wraps, Tokyo tempura, French crêpes, Spanish churros and more.

• River’s Edge Smokehouse and Tap will offer farm-fresh meals, featuring the Iowa Titan Tenderloin, pub burgers, pulled pork, beef brisket and signature BBQ ribs. Live music takes center stage, featuring the best of rock, country and blues.

The facility will also feature a 1,500-capacity entertainment venue that will host top-tier performances and events, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond. This venue will raise the bar for entertainment options by attracting new energy and cementing a dynamic entertainment district

The project also includes an Arts & Cultural Center that will become a cornerstone of community engagement, alongside a cutting-edge STEM lab designed to inspire and educate the next generation of innovators.

“The latest Cedar Crossing Casino plans from P2E and the Linn County Gaming Association only add to the excitement felt by our community members who voiced their overwhelming support for a casino in our Metro. These plans reflect the current landscape of gaming, including robust entertainment opportunities,” said Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell. “It is equally exciting for the hundreds of individuals and families who will benefit from the jobs that Cedar Crossing creates and the game-changing financial support for our local nonprofits. As we await the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s decision, the City Council and I will continue to listen to our community to ensure the final project meets the vision for the casino they requested, while creating a net-positive impact on the neighborhood, city, and region.”

Cedar Crossing will be built on the northwest side of Cedar Rapids at the former Cooper’s Mill site. The entertainment facility will revitalize an area that has not fully recovered from the devastating 2008 flood that inundated more than 10 square miles of the city. Given that this is a flood-prone area, developers will make several improvements and reinforcements at the site, including building the complex above the flood plain.

Tax Revenues, Tourism and Jobs

According to a July 2024 study by CSG – a leading consulting firm in the casino gaming and leisure industries – Cedar Crossing is anticipated to draw 1.1 million visitors annually. The facility will spur additional capital investments, revitalizing the area with new businesses, retail shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

CSG also found that Cedar Crossing would contribute an estimated $80.2 million of new taxable revenue for the state of Iowa, which is an increase from a 2021 market study that showed a Cedar Rapids casino would create new taxable revenues of $51 million.

In addition to gaming-related taxes and distributions, the State of Iowa and Linn County will benefit from direct and indirect spending, ranging from sales and use taxes to incremental income and property taxes. CSG projects that annual incremental sales taxes generated by Cedar Crossing will be $2 million for the state and $300,000 for Linn County. Annual income tax revenues for the state are projected to total approximately $1.1 million.

During the construction phase, the project should sustain 931 construction jobs on site, and an additional 805 indirect jobs throughout the regional and state economy – a total of 1,736 jobs, of which 992 are expected in Linn County. Once operational, Cedar Crossing will create 300 full-time jobs.

Nonprofit Support

P2E and LCGA have previously committed to contributing 8% of net adjusted gross revenue (AGR) to nonprofit organizations – the highest in the state. CSG found that approximately $6.3 million would be distributed annually to area nonprofit organizations, one of the reasons so many local organizations have enthusiastically voiced their support for a gaming facility in Linn County.

Next Steps

P2E and the LCGA are looking forward to formally presenting their gaming license application to the IRGC on Thursday, Oct. 3.

“The more local residents imagine the possibilities that Cedar Crossing can offer, the more they realize this is such a huge win for the state,” Swain said. “We are so thankful for the enthusiasm shared by our large group of supporters, and we appreciate the chance to finally share it with the IRGC. We are going to deliver Cedar Crossing for Iowa.”