Andrew Marnell III bought the Nugget Casino Resort in February 2016.
Anthony Marnell III announced this week that Marnell Gaming would begin a $25 million renovation of the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada. The renovation project begins in January 2017.
The Nugget Casino Resort opened in late 1996 and has seen only minor changes since that time. Marnell Gaming bought the Sparks Nugget in February 2016 and thus plans to make improvements to increase customer interest.
Anthony Marnell III: Significant Improvements Already
Anthony Marnell III said in a press release, “We have already made significant property improvements over the last several months. The next steps are major upgrades to the west tower hotel rooms and the entire 110,000 square feet of convention space.”
The owners plan to make wholesale changes to the west hotel tower’s 800 rooms. The new arrangements include a variety of luxury, upgraded, and comfort amenities in a floor-to-ceiling upgrade. The new look is described as a “modern lodge” theme and decor.
West Tower Renovations thru June 2017
Marnell said he expects renovations to the west tower to be completed by June 2017. Hotel space will open progressively throughout Q1 and Q2, as renovations are completed.
The Nugget Casino Resort’s main convention center on the hotel’s second floor is undergoing a two-phase development. The first phase is expected to begin in mid-February 2017 and should be completed by the end of March. The second phase is planned for early May. When it is completed in late-June, the entire $25 million renovation should be completed.
The convention center is going to have a complete upgrade, with new carpet, paint job, light fixtures, electrical improvements, and wall treatments. All food service equipment is going to receive upgrades. $2 million in modern service-ware and banquet equipment have been added.
Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada
Anthony Marnell III said he plans to make the Nugget Casino Resort one of the leading casino-resorts in Northern Nevada. Sparks is located in the Reno area, which has 26 gaming venues. Many of those gambling locations are in local grocery stores and restaurants, such as Scolari’s Food & Drug, Sak’ N Save, and Flowing Tide Pub.
Other casinos in Reno, Sparks, and the Carson City area around Lake Tahoe are more substantial, such as Atlantic Casino, Peppermill Reno, and the Nugget Casino Resort. The casino already is one of the largest casinos in the norhtern end of the state, and Anthony Marnell III said he plans to take place of pride among those casinos.
Golden Nugget Sparks Customers
The CEO of Marnell Gaming said, “Completely remodeling the west tower rooms and convention center reflects our commitment to making the property a market leader, and this is just the beginning of the Nugget makeover — there will be much more to come toward the end of 2017 and into 2018.”
Mr. Marnell praised the loyal customers the casino has had in its 20-plus years in operation, adding, “The people of northern Nevada have always supported the Nugget and we intend to make this a property the community can be proud of now and for years to come.”
2016 Sale by Carlton Geer
Carlton Geer, the previous CEO of the Nugget, bought the casino in 2013. When Geer agreed to sell the property to Anthony Marnell III in February 2016, the previous owner said he never intended to flip the casino so soon. Marnell’s unsolicited offer was too good for Geer to turn down.
In an interview at the time, Anthony Marnell III joked, “He got me to overpay.”
Marnell Gaming also owns the Edgewater Casino and the Colorado Belle in Laughlin, Nevada. The company also built the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino, annual site of the World Series of Poker, and the The M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas. While the $25 million renovation job might not sound like a large expenditure in comparison to Las Vegas Strip numbers, in the smaller Reno casino market, twenty-five million is a substantial figure.
