Pala Casino Spa & Resort’s Event Center in northern San Diego County seats 2,000 and 2,251 at its outdoor venue, the Starlight Theater. Pechanga Resort Casino’s Pechanga Theater in Temecula can seat 1,200 and 3,100 at at its secondary venue for larger events, the Pechanga Summit. The casino joins the other Southern California casinos that boast entertainment venues. “The tribe has invested many resources to build out a new experience for our guests, and that was the plan from the beginning. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino announced in March it was nearing its final step in the expansion with its theater. In December, the casino opened its 17-floor hotel tower, marking its transition from casino to resort. The complex, known previously as San Manuel Casino before changing its name to Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, first began its expansion by elevating its dining experience with restaurants such as the Serrano Vista Café and The Pines Modern Steakhouse. “All the concerts I go to are out in L.A., and sometimes the drive is a hassle,” Salazar said. James Salazar of San Bernardino didn’t attend the show but said if one of his favorite artists got booked, he would buy tickets because of how close it is to home.
