Treasure Island gains superstar status

A $50-million expansion has given Treasure Island Resort & Casino superstar status -- especially when it comes to big-name entertainment.

The expansion, completed in 2008, includes the 30,000-square-foot Event Center. That's big enough to handle the crowds that come out to hear performers like Tim McGraw, Creedence Clearwater Revisited and Frank Caliendo.

Despite its size, the center is designed so that all seats are within 125 feet from the stage.

A convention center as well as a concert hall, the space has a state-of-the-art sound system and two 14-by-24-foot retractable video screens. The center can be broken into six separate rooms for smaller events such as weddings or reunions. The divisions are soundproof, so a half-dozen smaller events can take place simultaneously.

Nationally known entertainers are being booked at least once a month.

In addition to big-name acts in the Event Center, Treasure Island also presents live music Friday and Saturday nights in the Parlay Lounge. Admission is free.

Another major addition to Treasure Island's entertainment offerings is Island Xtreme Bowl. The first bowling alley in a Minnesota casino, Xtreme Bowl has 24 Brunswick lanes and a 30,000-square-foot family center with an arcade, party rooms, snack bar and lounge. For more about bowling opportunities, call (888) 777-5668, extension 3000.

The addition also included expansion of the hotel; the new section encompasses two seven-story wings with 230 rooms (for a total of 480), and 24 suites. Every room in the hotel addition has a flat-screen TV; some bathrooms have them, too.

The Prairie Island Indian Community began its venture in 1984 with Island Bingo. Mount Frontenac Golf Course was purchased in 2000, and in 2004 the tribe added Dakota Station.

The only casino resort in southern Minnesota and the only facility of its kind located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Caribbean-themed Treasure Island today offers more than 2,500 slots, 42 blackjack tables, six carnival games, a 10-table poker room and a 500-seat high stakes bingo hall.

Restaurant facilities include Tradewinds Buffet, Mongo Bay Grill, Prime Thyme, Java's Restaurant and Island Perk.

Additional guest amenities include a 137-slip marina, a 95-site RV park and a 120-passenger cruise yacht in season.

For up-to-date information on entertainment and other happenings at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, call (800) 222-7077, ext. 2297, or go online to www.treasureislandcasino.com.

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