Public Record, The: Casino reannointed 'Spotlight 29' in Trump-deal buyout

The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians' business relationship with bankrupt Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts is over and the tribe's gaming facility in Coachella has been rechristened Spotlight 29 Casino.

The maneuver acquired an official shape Feb. 3 when the casino revealed its new logo.

But it had been set in motion last month when a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge approved the tribe's $6 million buyout of a five-year contract that called for management of the 110,000-square-foot gaming facility by the Trump organization.

Citing $1.8 billion in debt, the Trump entity filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November, with confirmation hearings that would conclude the bankruptcy scheduled to begin March 29.

"The fact that the tribe completed the final goal of buyout months ahead of schedule speaks to the success of the contract and the relationship the two parties shared," said Spotlight 29 General Manager Ray DelFiandra. "With the new name, we're ready to move into the future - with the spotlight on fun and excitement."

The five-year contract would have expired in April. Gary Kovall, a tribal attorney, said the bankruptcy resulted in a setting for the two parties to initiate a buyout.

And while Trump offcials are planning to utilize nearly $600 million in new financing and interest-payment savings generated from the bankruptcy to improve several of their properties, Spotlight 29 still is considering options for upgrading its facility.

Whether that includes a hotel to keep pace with nearby Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and Morongo Casino further west is to be determined.

"It's more of an option now because of the buyout," said Paul Speirs, a spokesman for Spotlight 29, which oppened its doors in 1994. "But the tribe is no closer to actually making a decision to build a hotel and spa. There are other options."

DelFiandra said there was concern initially about securing a buyout that would mean losing the Trump designation and its name recognition. "Our position now is we're moving forward as Spotlight 29 Casino," said DelFiandra. "We just need to ensure our customers know about all of our programs, our entertainment and our promotions, that they get our mailings."

DelFiandra cited the exponential expansion of the valley's economy, as well as statewide growth in the gaming industry, in the tribe's pursuit of the buyout.

"We feel we have a great product and great service," he said. "We want to be growing along with the valley."

DelFiandra said changing over to the new logo on a multitude of items - everything from the facility's marquees to gift shop items and gaming tables - won't happen in a few days even though the alteration is slight.

"The working relationship with Trump was very beneficial," said Tribal Chairman Dean Mike. "We believe it was time to do this."

SPOTLIGHT CASINO

Ownership: Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.

Address: 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella California.

Casino information: 110,000-square-foot facility open 24 hours daily, except for poker room which opens at 10 a.m.