Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
- Founded
- 1998-01-01 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Headquarters
- 6800 Soaring Eagle Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858, United States
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort is a premier tribal gaming and hospitality destination located near Mount Pleasant, Michigan, owned and operated by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. Opened on April 22, 1998, the resort features one of Michigan’s largest gaming floors at 210,000 square feet, housing over 2,700 slot machines, more than 70 table games, a dedicated bingo hall, an 18-table poker room, and a high-limit VIP lounge. In 2022, the property added Ascend Sportsbook, a modern sports betting hub, and launched its online casino and sports betting platform, Eagle Casino & Sports, becoming the last of Michigan’s 15 federally recognized tribes to enter the online betting market. Beyond gaming, Soaring Eagle is a AAA Four Diamond-rated resort with luxury suites, a full-service spa, multiple dining options including Siniikaung Bistro and Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and extensive entertainment venues: the 3,260-seat Entertainment Hall and the 11,000-capacity Soaring Eagle Outdoor Arena, which hosts top-name concerts and comedy acts year-round. The resort also encompasses the Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel, The Retreat at Soaring Eagle extended-stay suites, Waabooz Run Golf Course, and the Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park. In 2023, the casino transitioned to a smoke-free environment, and in 2024 it announced a five-year partnership with the NFL’s Detroit Lions. The resort is a major economic driver for the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Nation, generating revenue that supports tribal community programs and sovereignty initiatives.
Detailed Review
History and Ownership
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort opened on April 22, 1998, on the Isabella Indian Reservation near Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It is wholly owned and operated by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, which also runs Saganing Eagles Landing Casino & Hotel in Standish. The property has undergone multiple expansions and renovations, including a $26.5 million renovation in 2018 that added the Ascend nightclub and VIP lounge, and a multi-phase hotel renovation from 2020 to 2022. In 2023, the casino floor became entirely smoke-free, a notable move in the tribal gaming industry.
Gaming and Betting
The gaming floor spans 210,000 square feet, described as Michigan’s largest. It includes over 2,700 slot machines, more than 70 table games (blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps, three-card poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Mississippi Stud), an 18-table poker room with daily tournaments and a bad beat jackpot, and a dedicated bingo hall. The Ascend Sportsbook & Lounge, launched in 2022, offers self-service kiosks, wall-to-wall screens, and a full bar. The high-limit VIP lounge caters to premium players. In 2022, the tribe launched Eagle Casino & Sports, an online casino and sports betting platform available to Michigan residents, operated under the tribe’s Class II/III gaming compact with the state.
Hospitality and Dining
The resort hotel holds AAA Four Diamond status with 514 rooms and suites, including First Class rooms, Deluxe Jacuzzi and Fireplace rooms, and Premium Suites. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool with underwater sound system, and the Soaring Eagle Spa & Salon offering massages, facials, and body treatments. Adjacent properties include the 33,000-square-foot Soaring Eagle Waterpark & Hotel with 243 rooms, The Retreat at Soaring Eagle extended-stay suites, and the Waabooz Run executive golf course. Dining options are extensive: Siniikaung Bistro (steak and seafood), Firefly Buffet, Isabella’s (Italian), Ruth’s Chris Steak House (licensed), Johnny Rockets, Bubbakoo’s Burritos, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, Bonanno’s New York Pizza Kitchen, and Central Deli & Slice! food court.
Entertainment and Events
Entertainment is a cornerstone of the property. The Entertainment Hall (originally a bingo hall converted in 2000) seats 3,260 for concerts and comedy. The Soaring Eagle Outdoor Arena, opened in 2005, accommodates up to 11,000 guests for summer concerts. Past performers include Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Snoop Dogg, Criss Angel, Dane Cook, and Keith Urban. The resort also hosts charity golf tournaments, trivia nights, and holiday events like the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular.
Recent Developments and Partnerships
In 2022, the tribe launched its online gaming platform, Eagle Casino & Sports, offering both casino games and sports betting across Michigan. In 2023, Soaring Eagle became entirely smoke-free. In 2024, the resort announced a five-year presenting partnership with the NFL's Detroit Lions, including sponsorship of the team's "Inside the Den" series and other fan experiences.
Leadership
In June 2024, Soaring Eagle Gaming appointed Joseph S. Nayquonabe Jr. as Chief Executive Officer and Dawn McGrady as Chief Financial Officer. Nayquonabe, a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, previously served as CEO of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures. McGrady, a tribal member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, brings 28 years of experience in tribal gaming financial management. No other C-level officers are publicly confirmed.
Key Products
Soaring Eagle Casino Floor
210,000 sq ft gaming area with 2,700+ slot machines, 70+ table games, bingo hall, poker room, and high-limit VIP lounge.
Ascend Sportsbook & Lounge
On-site sports betting hub with self-service kiosks, live screens, bar, and lounge; launched 2022.
Eagle Casino & Sports (Online Platform)
Mobile and desktop online casino and sports betting platform launched in 2022; available to Michigan residents.
Soaring Eagle Resort
AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel with 514 rooms/suites, spa, fitness center, pools, and multiple dining outlets.
Soaring Eagle Entertainment Hall
3,260-seat indoor concert and comedy venue.
Soaring Eagle Outdoor Arena
11,000-capacity amphitheater for summer concerts (opened 2005).
Soaring Eagle Waterpark & Hotel
33,000 sq ft indoor waterpark with 243-room hotel, located 1.5 miles from the main resort.
The Retreat at Soaring Eagle
Extended-stay suites with one-, two-, and three-bedroom lodgings, featuring kitchen and living areas.
Waabooz Run Golf Course
18-hole executive golf course at the Waterpark Hotel.
Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park
67-site upscale RV park with full hookups, lake access, and fire rings.
Spa & Salon
Full-service spa offering massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services.
Dining Brands
Siniikaung Bistro, Firefly Buffet, Isabella’s, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Johnny Rockets, Bubbakoo’s Burritos, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, Bonanno’s New York Pizza Kitchen, Central Deli & Slice!
Partnership: Detroit Lions
Five-year presenting partnership announced 2024, including sponsorship of the team's 'Inside the Den' series and fan experiences.
Key Persons
- Joseph Nayquonabe
Chief Executive Officer
- Dawn McGrady
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort and Detroit Lions Strike Five-Year Deal
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort and the Detroit Lions have agreed to a five-year partnership that includes a new sports bar at Ford Field and presenting sponsorship of the Lions' mobile app. Separately, Michigan regulators approved DraftKings to launch its online poker platform in multiple states.
2026-07-17