The Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino marked a significant milestone with its “Topping Out” ceremony, celebrating the placement of the final steel beam atop the structure.
This new resort, scheduled to open in early 2025, promises to transform the existing Seminole Casino Brighton, which has been a staple since its opening in 1980.
The upcoming Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino will feature an expansive 38,000-square-foot casino floor, accommodating 640 slot machines and 18 table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette.
Among these, a smoke-free gaming area will host 104 slot machines, while a high-limit gaming section will include 42 slot machines and four table games. This modern gaming haven is set to offer an unmatched experience for both casual gamers and high rollers alike.
Guests will be treated to a variety of dining options, including the 24-hour EE-TO-LEE-KEE GRILL, the upscale Josiah Steakhouse, and the fast-service Constant Grind Bistro and Slice pizza kitchen. The resort will also boast an indoor event space with a seating capacity of 400 for banquets or bingo, or 900 for performance events.
Notably, the new complex will feature a unique addition for Seminole Casinos: a 7,044-square-foot, ten-lane bowling alley known as Brighton Bay Bowling.
A first for the Brighton Seminole Reservation, the hotel will offer 100 guest rooms across four stories, totaling 72,000 square feet. Accommodations will include rooms with one king bed or two queen beds, three suites, and a fitness center. This addition not only enhances the resort’s appeal but also provides a luxurious retreat for visitors exploring the rich culture and natural beauty of the area.
The resort’s name, Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino, pays homage to nearby Lake Okeechobee’s sportfishing spots, particularly Fisheating Bay. The name Fisheating Bay derives from the Seminole term “Thlothlopopka-Hatchee,” meaning “the river where fish are eaten,” reflecting the deep cultural ties of the Seminole Tribe to the region.
In a symbolic gesture, construction team members, alongside current casino staff, signed the final beam before it was hoisted into place.
Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard Rock International, expressed his gratitude: “Today is an exceptional day. A vision has truly become a reality as we placed the final beam atop this new property. I thank everyone involved in this project, from the designers and engineers to the day-to-day laborers that are showing the world what the Seminole Tribe is truly about – unconquered vision, unparalleled service, and unlimited future.”
Marty Johns, General Manager, echoed the sentiment: “Today’s ceremony marks a special moment for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Brighton Seminole Reservation. We can’t wait to open our doors. The new casino and hotel complex is expected to increase the number of tourists to the region, which is very important.”
As construction progresses, anticipation builds for the grand opening of the Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino in early 2025, poised to become a premier destination for entertainment, luxury, and cultural heritage.
For more information visit www.casino.hardrock.com/brighton.
