Newsweek has nominated us for Best Casino outside Vegas and Best Entertainment Venue.
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(February 6, 2024) – Mexican music icon Alejandro Fernández announces his return to Yaamava’ Theater for Fiestas Patrias 2024.
Tickets go on sale starting Friday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. PT at YaamavaTheater.com.
This Thursday, Alejandro will be releasing his first duet of the year, joining Mexican cumbia Icons Angeles Azules with “La Cumbia Triste”; his first venture into this genre. The fusion of the rhythmic cumbia sounds and Alejandro’s powerful voice is sure to bring all fans to the dance floor. The song and video will be available starting this Thursday at 11pm ET on all platforms.
Throughout his career Alejandro has surprised his fanbase with his musical versatility in different genres. He is a 2x Latin GRAMMY winner and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, amongst other noteworthy recognitions. Fernández is the first Latin artist to take albums to the top of the sales charts for four consecutive decades (1990, 2000, 2010, 2020).
Alejandro has a long history of helping others through his music and shows. In 2023 he donated proceeds from his “Amor y Patria” US tour to the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino (FRIENDS), a non-profit organization advocating for the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino.
Last October Alejandro was honored by US House of Representatives with a resolution and ceremony for contributions to Mexican music and Latino culture over the four decades of his career. It also recognized Fernández as a humanitarian for the long-lasting impact he has made beyond his music worldwide. The international artist has been instrumental in uplifting and uniting the Latino community through donating his time, resources, and art.
His 2021 US tour raised over $100,000 for “Families Belong Together” to unite immigrant parents and children separated at the US border. In 2020, he launched (along with a coalition of artists) the "Vota Por Nosotros" (Vote For Us) get-out-the-vote campaign, encouraging Latino voters to vote on behalf of our entire community in the November 3rd elections. The same year, Alejandro joined Mana’s Fher Olvera as the face of the “We Are Home” campaign calling for a fair and dignified immigration policy for the millions of Latino immigrants living in the US and again with Dr. Anthony Fauci in a call for the US Latino population to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.
HIGHLAND, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2023) ― In an extravagant celebration to close 2023, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel gave away $1 million cash to one Club Serrano member on Dec. 18.
Louis, the winner of the Million Dollar Moment promotion, made his way into the grand finale drawing when he unwrapped a Yaamava’ chocolate bar during our first Golden Pass drop event on Nov. 20.
Club Serrano members who earned 300 points during the Golden Pass drops were eligible to receive a Yaamava’ chocolate bar. As Club Serrano members unwrapped their tasty chocolate bars, they also revealed prizes ranging from $20 in free play to a coveted Golden Pass that would secure one of 40 finalist positions. Two Golden Passes were available during each of the five Golden Pass drops.
As the final 40 narrowed to ten and then five, it was an exciting celebration when Louis opened his briefcase revealing $1 million in cash! His wife joined him on the dance floor where they were both crowned and celebrated on an elaborate throne brought out just for them.
Louis shared with the crowd that he and his wife were celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary at Yaamava’ that evening.
Happy anniversary and congratulations from Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.
ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 17, 2023) ― Breeders’ Cup Limited today announced an exciting new collaboration with Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, the presenting partner for the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge at the 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
The Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge presented by Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is a “real money” handicapping challenge for horseplayers from around North America and will crown the winner with the highest accumulated bankroll at the end of the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The contest requires a $10,000 buy-in and the cash prize pool is estimated at $1.3 million. To register now and view the complete 2023 BCBC rules and information, go to BreedersCup.com/BCBC.
Yaamava’ is a valuable partner of Thoroughbred racing and sponsors both Santa Anita Park and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Southern California. Like participants of the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge, Yaamava’s Club Serrano members are treated to elevated gaming experiences. This partnership brings together two world-class brands in gaming.
The Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge presented by Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel has become synonymous with the Breeders’ Cup, which will celebrate its 40th running Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California.
“We welcome Yaamava’ to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and look forward to a successful collaboration,” said Heather Higgins, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for Breeders’ Cup Limited. “The award-winning quality of the Yaamava’ brand fits in perfect synergy with our dedication to a best-in-class experience for our attendees and Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge contestants as they enjoy a world-class weekend of global competition on the racetrack.”
ABOUT YAAMAVA’ RESORT AND CASINO
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and Four-Star-rated and AAA Diamond-rated entertainment destination in the Inland Empire (IE), featuring a 17-floor hotel with spacious suites, an elevated pool deck, a Forbes Five-Star-rated spa and salon, and a state-of-the-art theater. Recently named the 2023 USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Award for Best Casino outside of Las Vegas and the Best Casino Restaurant for its Pines Modern Steakhouse, it is located just 70 miles from downtown Los Angeles in Highland, CA. The Casino has more than 7,000 slots, five high-limit gaming rooms, luxury retail shops, a wide variety of award-winning dining options, and more than a dozen bars and lounges, including IE’s premiere sports bar, The 909 Food Hall. The San Manuel Entertainment Authority owns and operates Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.
For more information, visit www.yaamava.com or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP
Breeders’ Cup Limited administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races through an 80-race series hosted by 11 countries, and also administers the U.S.-based Dirt Dozen Bonus Series. The Breeders’ Cup supports and operates under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), which, for the first time, establishes a national, uniform set of rules applicable to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack. HISA seeks to enhance the safety of both horse and rider and to protect the integrity of the sport to the benefit of all racing participants, fans, and bettors.
The 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Grade 1 Championship races, and $31 million in purses and awards, is scheduled to be held Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. The Championships will return to the West Coast in 2024 with Del Mar in Del Mar, California, set to host Nov. 1-2. The Championships will be televised live by NBC Sports. Press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, BreedersCup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media.
Former car winners were inducted into an exclusive club, shared testimonials and were given the first look at the new car.
HIGHLAND, CALIF. (September 21, 2023) — In a spectacular celebration of its 300th car giveaway, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is thrilled to announce that legendary comedian and car enthusiast Jay Leno will hand over the keys to the 2023 Rolls-Royce Ghost to one lucky Club Serrano winner.
The event, set to take place at Yaamava’ at 10 p.m. on Monday, October 2, marks the 300th car given away by the resort and casino. “This is an exciting and historic milestone for our property,” said Kenji Hall, General Manager at Yaamava’ Resort and Casino . “Providing our valued guests the opportunity to drive home with this elegant, one-of-a-kind Rolls-Royce, truly makes us proud to offer best-in-class, elevated experiences.”
The Rolls-Royce Ghost, owned by stars like Jennifer Lopez, features a gorgeous turquoise interior with Rolls-Royce’s signature Shooting Star Headliner that enhances the luxurious interior. To top it all off, a V12 Twin-Turbocharged engine and state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce Bespoke Audio provides the ultimate driving experience.
Those interested in trying their luck in this elite car drawing must be Club Serrano members. For more details about the four ways to qualify for the Grand Finale Drawing
Over the years, Yaamava’ has set an elevated standard of car promotions with noteworthy, top-of-the-line manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Porsche, and Maserati. The Casino strives to deliver a world-class experience for its Club Serrano members by consistently offering exclusive prizes and experiences. In August, former car giveaway winners were inducted into the “300th Car Club” and shared their testimonials of winning over the years, while also receiving a first look at the Rolls-Royce.
About Yaamava’ Resort & Casino:
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and Four-Star-rated and AAA Diamond-rated entertainment destination in the Inland Empire (IE), featuring a 17-floor hotel with spacious suites, an elevated pool deck, a Forbes Five-Star-rated spa and salon, and a state-of-the-art theater. Recently named the 2023 USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Award for Best Casino outside of Las Vegas and the Best Casino Restaurant for its Pines Modern Steakhouse, it is located just 70 miles from downtown Los Angeles in Highland, CA. The Casino has more than 7,000 slots, five high-limit gaming rooms, luxury retail shops, a wide variety of award-winning dining options, and more than a dozen bars and lounges, including IE’s premiere sports bar, The 909 Food Hall. The San Manuel Entertainment Authority owns and operates Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino Wins 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas. Both Tribal Owned and Operated Properties Win Big With the Reader’s Choice Awards
HIGHLAND, CALIF. (September 8, 2023) — Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel has been named the winner in two categories in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. First for the Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas, ranked No. 1 among fans nationwide and Yaamava’s fine dining restaurant, The Pines Modern Steakhouse, was also voted the ‘Best Casino Restaurant’ this year.
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority’s Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, was also among the USA Today rankings. Palms’ A.Y.C.E Buffet was ranked fifth place for the Best Casino Restaurant in the United States, bringing in an additional win for the Tribe.
“We are honored to be recognized as the best casino by USA Today’s readers across the nation.” said Kenji Hall, General Manager at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. “The Tribe and our team members work hard to ensure our guests have a memorable, best-in-class experience across the property. This prestigious achievement speaks volumes to both their dedication and hard work to ensure our valued guests encounter an unforgettable experience.”
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino is the No. 1 entertainment destination in Southern California offering casino gaming, live performances from iconic artists, Forbes Travel Guide and AAA Diamond award-winning luxury resort accommodations, dining and world-class spa. With over 7,000 slots – the most in the West with multiple world-premieres each year, Yaamava' is California’s best destination for the most elite gaming and entertainment experiences.
Guests at Yaamava’ can indulge in exquisite dining and hand-crafted cocktails at The Pines Modern Steakhouse, which serves certified 100% Japanese Kobe Beef steaks, fresh pastas made from scratch, and a world-class cache of rare and cult wines and spirits from the resort’s exclusive Collection 86. The Pines is one of over 20 venues to wine and dine throughout the resort, spanning from 5-star to fast casual.
Guests visiting Palms Casino Resort partake in a culinary trip around the world at the A.Y.C.E. Buffet. The 250-seat venue features seven unique food stations – World Pan, Revival, The Greenery, The Roastery, The Hearth, Smoke & Fire, Sweet & Light – each filled with culinary delights.
Yaamava’s and Palms’ nominations were chosen by a panel of experts, including a combination of editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best.com, relevant expert contributors, and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties before being voted on by the public online.
About Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and Four-Star-rated and AAA Diamond-rated entertainment destination in the Inland Empire (IE), featuring a 17-floor hotel with spacious suites, an elevated pool deck, a Forbes Five-Star-rated spa and salon, and a state-of-the-art theater. Located just 70 miles from downtown Los Angeles in Highland, CA, the Casino has more than 7,200 slots, five high-limit gaming rooms, luxury retail shops, a wide variety of award-winning dining options, and more than a dozen bars and lounges, including IE’s premiere sports bar, The 909 Food Hall. The San Manuel Entertainment Authority owns and operates Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.
For more information, visit www.yaamava.com or follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is located at 777 San Manuel, Highland, Calif. 92346. Telephone 800-359-2464.
HIGHLAND, Calif., Sept. 5, 2023-- For the third year in a row, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (the 'Tribe' and 'San Manuel') is proud to announce that its Tribal Government Operations and Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel received Great Place To Work Certification. This year, 81 percent of team members said it's a great place to work which is 24 points higher than the average U.S. company.
Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors. The survey measures team members' level of trust in an organization and the consistency of their experience.
"San Manuel is grateful to our team members and proud to lead an enterprise that has achieved certification as a Great Place to Work® for the third year in a row," said Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. "Since day one, we have endeavored to create a work environment that reflects our Serrano Tribal culture and values where our team members are respected, feel welcomed, supported, and rewarded for their dedication and hard work."
The enterprise of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is guided by a higher purpose and believe in giving back to charitable organizations, surrounding communities, and their team members. The Tribe prides itself on creating a robust work environment and offering unique experiences to help team members reach their full potential. A few examples are team member talent shows, annual team member appreciation days and various scholarship funds offered by the Tribe.
"San Manuel is a unique employer that brings together tribal government operations, hospitality, gaming and entertainment into a single enterprise that helps ensure the Tribe's livelihood today and for generations to come," said Laurens Vosloo, Chief Executive Officer, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. "It's an honor to work for an enterprise where more than 80 percent of our team applauds the Tribe for fostering a welcoming, safe, and respectful culture. This recognition is one of many that validates why San Manuel is a great place to work."
Hear what our team members shared:
"The Tribe's continuous and generous contributions to the community make this a purposeful place to work. There is no other employer like us in the area and that offers unique and valuable professional experiences to the employees."
"The amount of benefits this company offers to its employees is like nothing I've ever seen or heard of. From educational discounts to endless employee incentives and benefits."
WE'RE HIRING!
According to Great Place To Work® research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a certified great workplace.
Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit our careers page.
About Great Place to Work Certification™
Great Place To Work® Certification™ is the most definitive "employer-of-choice" recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place To Work-Certified.
About Great Place To Work®
As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified™ or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List.
HIGHLAND, CALIF. (August 28, 2023) - On August 24, a local Southern California resident won $1,315,761.19 from a $25 bet while playing Aristocrat Gaming’s “Dragon Link Panda Magic” slot machine at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. The winning combination was an accumulated win during a bonus round, hitting the grand jackpot.
“We are thrilled to share in the joy with one of our lucky Club Serrano members, following an amazing win last night,” said Kenji Hall, general manager at Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel. “We strive to create once-in-a-lifetime moments for all our patrons across the resort every day. Last night’s $1.3M jackpot win is an unforgettable moment for all of us.”
While the winner of the $1.3M+ jackpot declined to disclose her identify publicly, the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino team shares in her excitement and extends their congratulations and warmest wishes to her following this milestone win.
About Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and Four-Star-rated and AAA Diamond-rated entertainment destination in the Inland Empire (IE), featuring a 17-floor hotel with spacious suites, an elevated pool deck, a Forbes Five-Star-rated spa and salon, and a state-of-the-art theater. Located just 70 miles from downtown Los Angeles in Highland, CA, the Casino has more than 7,000 slots, five high-limit gaming rooms, luxury retail shops, a wide variety of award-winning dining options, and more than a dozen bars and lounges, including IE’s premiere sports bar, The 909 Food Hall. The San Manuel Entertainment Authority owns and operates Yaamava’ Resort & Casino. .
KENJI HALL NAMED GENERAL MANAGER FOR
YAAMAVA’ RESORT & CASINO
Hall will lead flagship property operations for
San Manuel Entertainment Authority
The San Manuel Entertainment Authority today named Kenji Hall the new General Manager at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, succeeding Peter Arceo, who was selected as Chief Gaming Officer for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (the Tribe) in May.
Hall will lead the strategic execution and performance of daily gaming and hospitality operations and continue in his successful role as an inspiring leader of workplace culture at the award-winning resort and casino.
“Kenji’s expertise in hotel, food and beverage, marketing and gaming operations make him ideally qualified for leading the next generation of service excellence at Yaamava’. He and his team will continue to drive our competitive positioning of Yaamava’ as the top casino resort destination in California,” said Peter Arceo, Chief Gaming Officer for the Tribe.
“I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to continue the Yaamava’ legacy as a best-in-class resort and casino. It is an honor to serve the Tribe in this capacity. The Tribe’s mission, vision and values and our commitment to team members are the key elements in growing our market and delivering exceptional experiences for our valued guests,” said Hall.
Hall joined San Manuel Casino in 2017 as Chief Operating Officer-Hospitality, where he led the complete renovation of the Tribe’s Bear Springs Hotel in San Bernardino, California. Hall also brought revenue growth to San Manuel Casino with the opening of new and phenomenally successful food and beverage outlets. Later, Hall was named Chief Operating Officer-Casino, where he was responsible for leading the expansion of gaming operations and played an instrumental role in the rebranding and opening of Yaamava’.
Prior to San Manuel, Hall held management and executive leadership positions in Nevada, Louisiana, Indiana, and North Carolina with companies including Hilton Hotels, Boyd Gaming, and MGM Resorts International during his 30+ years in the gaming and hospitality industry.
Under Hall’s leadership, Yaamava’ has become the largest casino in the west with over 7,200 slots, 165 tables and five high-limit rooms. Yaamava’ also recently earned Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating for the Serrano Spa as well as Four-Star ratings for the resort and The Pines Modern Steakhouse. Hall is also responsible for inspiring a “team first” workplace culture that values excellence, resulting in Yaamava’ receiving the Great Place to Work® certification two years in a row.
Hall holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Company’s latest poker innovation launches during “X Marks the Spot!” event at world-class gaming venue in Southern California
IGT introduced its latest video poker game, Fortune X Poker, to players at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel in Highland, Calif., on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. The “X Marks the Spot!” celebration commemorated this “first in California” installation and included five popular slot influencers from across the U.S.
“Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is excited to be the first casino in California to introduce the Fortune X Poker that is sure to bring the thrill to our valued guests,” said Kenji Hall, Interim General Manager of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. “IGT’s robust library of games has continuously delivered on performance, and we’re certain that Fortune X Poker will bring a cutting edge, one-of-a-kind game experience that our players cannot find anywhere else.””
“We were pleased to partner with Yaamava’ Resort and Casino for a special kickoff event that introduced IGT’s Fortune X Poker to the property’s video poker enthusiasts,” said Darnell Johnson, IGT Senior Director of Product Management, Video Poker. “IGT’s legendary video poker content consistently energizes the casino floor, and we are confident Fortune X Poker will be another compelling option that will thrill players, return excellent results, and propel IGT’s leadership in the segment.”
IGT’s Fortune X Poker was displayed on the Company’s next-generation CrystalSlant™ cabinet at the event. In addition to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the five video poker influencers, who were the first players to experience the game at the venue, live-streamed the event on their respective YouTube channels.
