By By Adam Prestridge For The Standard
If you blinked too quickly, you may have missed the construction of the new Poarch Band of Creek Indians' gaming facility.
Ground was broken in November to make way for the 20,000 square foot building, which has quickly taken shape. In fact, it is set for Grand Opening on Feb. 24.
The $4.4 million gaming facility will house 592 additional electronic bingo machines and is located next to the Bingo Palace, which has been in operation for 20 years.
Martin Construction, a local Indian-owned construction company, is overseeing the project. Martin was awarded the contract following a competitive bid process, Mothershed said.
The facility will feature a back operations area, cash room, cashiers' booth, cash center and bathroom facility. It will also feature a state-of-the-art heating and air system that should eliminate cigarette smoke.
In addition to the new facility, PCI Gaming will also begin a new rewards program for its customers, which allows them to accumulate points to win prizes. A rewards booth will feature prizes for which that customers can redeem points.
Mothershed said the new electronic bingo games will begin being installed a week prior to the scheduled Feb. 24 opening.
In addition to the new gaming facility, construction on a new Subway restaurant is slated to begin next week. Mothershed said he hopes the sandwich shop will open the same day as the new gaming facility.
The new gaming facility not only offers customers additional gaming opportunities and PCI Gaming added income, but has also created more than 100 new jobs for residents of Poarch, Atmore and the surrounding areas.