Potawatomi Hotel & Casino announces phased reopening plan

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Potawatomi Hotel & Casino will begin a phased reopening next week, casino officials confirmed Friday.

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino will initiate a soft reopening at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 8, for invited guests only. The soft re-opening will take place through Tuesday, June 9, according to a news release.

Starting Wednesday, June 10, the property will open to existing Fire Keeper’s Club members only, accompanied by one guest. They have to make a reservation using the casino's website or app before they can come to the casino. Club members can only make one three-hour reservation per day.

Only invited guests or those who have a reservation will be the allowed on property during this phased re-opening.  Potawatomi staff members are asking guests to have patience during this phase.

PHOTO GALLERY

The normally 24-hour casino has cut its hours and will now only be open from 9 a.m. to midnight each day. Visitors will also notice a number of other changes during the first phase of reopening:

• All guests need reservations.
• At the door, guests' temperatures will be checked and they'll be asked a series of health questions. Anyone showing a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be checked with a second screening. If their temperature is confirmed to be 100.4 degrees or higher, they will be asked to leave.
• Masks will be required for all guests and team members.
• There will be no table games, bingo, poker or off-track betting.
• Guests can play slot machines on the first floor, but only every other machine will be available to play.
• Plexi-glass dividers have been placed in between slot machines, at cashier windows, at players club booths, at restaurant host stands, at the hotel front desk and at the security desks.
• The restaurants and bars will remain closed. Take out service will be available at RuYi, Fire Pit Sports Bar & Grill and Canal Street Cafe.
• There will be no smoking throughout the property. An outdoor smoking area will be available for guests.
• A maximum of 600 guests will be allowed at a time. This number adheres to guidelines in the state's Badger Bounce Back Plan of one guest per 250 square feet.
• There will be increased cleaning and sanitizing of public spaces with an emphasis on high-contact surfaces. 
• Twenty-five percent of hotel rooms will be available for guest stays.
• There will be no valet, spa, fitness center, retail or banquet services available during the first phase of reopening.

The casino said these changes were developed based on best practices within the casino and hospitality industries, as well as guidelines set forth by infectious disease experts, tribal, local and state health departments.

“We look forward to welcoming guests and team members back. Because of the priority we place on everyone’s health and safety during this unique time, we’ve implemented a number of changes to reflect that focus,” said Rodney Ferguson, CEO and general manager of the property. “These changes are not meant to be permanent, but will be kept in place until it’s safe to move closer to pre-pandemic operations.”

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino team members will be trained on all safety protocols related to COVID-19. Signs throughout property will feature health- and hygiene-related messaging, including the proper way to wear, handle and dispose of masks.