RisingStar-07-21-16-01: Construction on a new 30,000 square foot fieldhouse will be begin in the next 30 days adjacent to the Rising Star Sports Ranch that could become a beacon for sports enthusiasts, young and old, in Mesquite. Photo by Barbara Ellestad.


RisingStar-07-21-16-01: Construction on a new 30,000 square foot fieldhouse will be begin in the next 30 days adjacent to the Rising Star Sports Ranch that could become a beacon for sports enthusiasts, young and old, in Mesquite. Photo by Barbara Ellestad.

So far, all of the hoopla surrounding the Rising Star Sports Ranch has focused on renovations of the 17-year old hotel located at I-15 Exit 122. But Andre Carrier, CEO of Eureka Casino Resort Hotel revealed to the Mesquite Local News recently that there’s much more to it than just fixing up the old building.

“Within the next 30 days, we will start construction on a 30,000 square foot arena set along the interstate to provide indoor facilities for a lot of different sports camps or serve as practice facilities,” Carrier said. “We plan to have it completed in April 2017 just in time for the summer heat to move everyone inside.”

The fieldhouse is big enough for three basketball courts with bleachers, nine volleyball courts, 19 pickleball courts, six to eight full wrestling mats, or a U-18 soccer field. The courts are interchangeable for particular events or camps that are at the hotel.

Carrier thinks it will also serve as a focal point for interstate travelers. “The view will be the big barn and the new soccer field we’ve built along the highway. That changes the impression people will have of the hotel and of Mesquite,” he said. “This is the next iteration of Mesquite visitation.”

Additions to the backyard area include batting cages, baseball warm-up areas, basketball court, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a putting green. Bicycles will be available for guests who may want to take a ride around town.

A new outdoor kitchen buffet and barbeque area will be available for groups who “want to have a cookout,” Carrier said. “People can sit out back and enjoy each other. Parents can relax and kids can play.”

Andre Carrier, CEO of Eureka Casino Resort that is renovating the Rising Star Sports Ranch stands on what will become an outdoor barbeque and dining area in the ‘backyard’ of the hotel that is set among a myriad of outdoor recreational games or just a great place for families to hang out. Photo by Barbara Ellestad.

Andre Carrier, CEO of Eureka Casino Resort that is renovating the Rising Star Sports Ranch stands on what will become an outdoor barbeque and dining area in the ‘backyard’ of the hotel that is set among a myriad of outdoor recreational games or just a great place for families to hang out. Photo by Barbara Ellestad.

Special video projectors will allow the Rising Star to personalize the lobby and entryway for specific groups who come in for a training camp or special event. A special sculpture made of used athletic equipment continues the hotel’s theme in the center of the lobby. The 7,000 square foot grand ballroom provides an area for large or small groups.

Marketing to the younger generation is an arcade room with two shortened bowling lanes and plenty of video games. All of it is a cash-free zone. “Kids will get a special wristband when they check in that parents can load cash into electronically. The kids swipe their wristband to the arcade game and play their hearts out,” Carrier said. “The wristband also gives them access to their rooms. By using new wristband technology our guests and staff don’t have to worry about lost or compromised plastic key cards. Everything will be on stored on the wristband.”

Carrier and his staff are excited about the October grand opening. “We have started hiring new employees so we can have them trained by our opening. We think this concept is a paradigm shift in what a hotel resort can offer families and sports enthusiasts.”