How will Turtle Creek impact Leelanau Sands?

The Leelanau Enterprise has a feature that explores how the new Turtle Creek Casino in Acme might impact the Grand Traverse Band’s first casino (and major Leelanau county employer and economic driver), Leelanau Sands.

…(Ron Olson, CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of the GTB) said the GTB is “very aware of the fact Turtle Creek will be very successful” — and the effect that might have in drawing gamblers from Leelanau Sands.

But he also sees opportunity for Leelanau Sands, which will continue to cater to a more local clientele. Olson expects the base of visitors to expand to include users of a proposed 129-slip marina planned within walking distance of the casino. Also being built in Peshawbestown is a cultural center and museum designed to tell the history and ways of the Grand Traverse Band.

…Notably absent from the rebuilt Turtle Creek is an entertainment center of the capacity of the Leelanau Sands Showroom, which will host country music legend Marty Stuart on June 28. Turtle Creek’s Level 3 lounge was designed as a 200-seat nightclub on the third flood overlooking the gaming area, but lacks capacity to host big-name acts.

Read Tribe: New Turtle Creek is opportunity for Sands in the Enterprise.

Photo: kasino by The Real Ferg (a photo of te Turtle Creek Casino while it was under construction)