Foxwoods Resort Casino is a large destination resort, entertainment complex, and casino located in Mashantucket, Connecticut, USA. It was opened in 1992 by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and has since become one of the largest casinos in North America.
History of Foxwoods
The concept of building a high-end casino on tribal land dates back to the late 1980s when the state of Connecticut faced significant economic issues. The idea was casinofoxwoods.ca initially met with skepticism, but eventually gained traction due to its potential to revitalize the local economy. After years of negotiations and planning, construction began in 1991, and Foxwoods Resort Casino opened on February 15, 1992.
Resort Amenities
Foxwoods is a massive resort covering over 3 million square feet, featuring an impressive array of amenities that cater to diverse interests:
- Casino : Spanning 340,000 square feet, the casino boasts more than 6,300 electronic gaming machines and hundreds of table games.
- Hotels and Accommodations : The resort offers three luxury hotels: Grand Pequot Towers, Premier Studio Hotel Tower, and Tusk & Trotter. These properties provide a range of accommodations from standard rooms to luxurious suites.
- Dining Options : With over 30 restaurants, bars, and lounges, visitors can enjoy an extensive variety of cuisine, including fine dining experiences like the Foxwoods Ballroom or more casual eateries like Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar.
- Entertainment Venues :
- The Grand Theatre: A 2,400-seat concert hall hosting live performances by world-renowned artists and musicians.
- The Comix Roadhouse Comedy Club: A comedy club featuring stand-up comedians in an intimate setting.
- High Rollers Lounge: An upscale lounge offering live music, cocktails, and gourmet appetizers.
- Wellness and Recreation : Foxwoods features a state-of-the-art fitness center, several pools, a spa (Mystic Showroom), and the Foxwoods Golf Club with two 18-hole courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Conventions, Meetings, and Events
In addition to its gaming and entertainment offerings, Foxwoods has become a popular destination for conventions, meetings, and events. The resort features:
- Over 600 meeting rooms
- A comprehensive conference center (Connecticut Convention Center)
- Flexible event spaces accommodating up to 4,000 guests
Accessibility and Location
Foxwoods Resort Casino is strategically located on the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Reservation in southeastern Connecticut, approximately an hour’s drive from Providence, Rhode Island. It offers:
- Close proximity to major highways like I-95 (Mashantucket Exit)
- On-site parking for over 10,000 vehicles
- Shuttle service connecting visitors with surrounding areas
Foxwoods History and Milestones
Some notable milestones in the history of Foxwoods Resort Casino include:
- February 15, 1992: Official opening day
- March 28, 2003: The property added a high-limit gaming area (Paradise Cove) featuring exclusive table games
- April 25, 2011: A major expansion introduced new gaming options and renovated several areas of the resort
Tourism Impact
As one of Connecticut’s most recognizable attractions, Foxwoods has significantly contributed to local tourism:
- Employing over 7,000 team members from various backgrounds
- Generating substantial tax revenues for state and tribal governments
- Supporting economic growth through job creation, infrastructure development, and revenue generation
