Repair work keeps Talking Stick closed
It has been nearly a month since a monsoon storm knocked out electricity at the Scottsdale area’s Talking Stick Resort and Casino on Aug. 11, and there’s still no reopening date in sight.
Electrical power system repairs continue and will require the property to stay closed through September, officials said in a Friday statement.
“Employees and outside personnel continue work around the clock to restore power,” the statement said. “Moreover, this time has afforded the opportunity to refresh areas of the resort and casino unchanged since the resort’s opening in 2010.”
Water from multiple storms caused serious damage to the main and backup generators, forcing the casino, near Loop 101 freeway and Indian Bend Road on the Salt River Reservation, to evacuate players, about 600 hotel guests and employees.
Administrative offices, meeting spaces and a cafe on the property’s lower level also needed repairs, although the resort has reopened the North Course of Talking Stick Golf Club, returning the club to full operations and regular business hours.
“We want to express our gratitude for the patience demonstrated throughout this time and the hard work continually done on our behalf,” the statement said.
Hotel officials said they have contacted guests with reservations to reschedule their stays or to be moved to nearby hotels.
Guests with reservations can call the hotel at 866-877-9897.
Are employees being paid?
Employees on the resort’s Facebook page said they are receiving regular paychecks.
“I work at the resort and there has been plenty of communication and all employees ARE getting paid,” said Rachel Childers in a comment on the resort’s Facebook page.
Gilberto Cecena also identified himself as resort an employee who was receiving paychecks with his average tips factored in.
“Management continues to assist and support employees as we collectively work toward restoring operations,” the resort said in a statement.
More events on hold
Several events have been canceled or postponed while the casino is undergoing repairs.
They include:
❚ Arizona State Poker Championship, Aug. 10-14.
❚ Progressive Tuesdays, Aug. 14.
❚ Keno Tournament, Aug. 16.
❚ Esports Arizona: Red Bull Conquest, Aug. 18.
❚ 3LAU + Elephante pool party, Aug. 18.
❚ Terry Fator, Aug. 24. ❚ KMLE 8 Man Jam, Aug. 28.
❚ DJ Diesel, Sept. 1.
❚ Zedd, Sept. 2.
❚ Burton Cummings, Sept. 7.
❚ Daughtry, Sept. 8
❚ Senior Poker Open II, Sept. 15. Some events, like the Keno Tournament and the KMLE 8 Man Jam, were moved to Talking Stick’s sister venue, Casino Arizona at 524 N. 92nd St., off Loop 101 at McKellips Road.
Casino Arizona is not hosting poker during Talking Stick’s closure, according to the casino’s website. Casino Arizona is also owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
A concert featuring Boy George And Culture Club and The B-52s for Sept. 30 has not yet been postponed, according to Talking Stick’s Facebook page.