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Boyd to Spend $78 Million on Expansion of Sam's Town

Boyd Chairman William Boyd said the expansion -- the eighth at the popular property since it opened two decades ago -- will feature an 18-screen movie complex with stadium seating, digital sound and a cinema cafe.

The expansion will include construction of a 1,200-seat multi-purpose showroom and events center for concerts, a new 650-seat buffet, a banquet kitchen, new child-care facilities, expanding gaming areas, upgrades to existing restaurants and additional parking, Boyd said.

Construction of the new facilities began this month and is expected to be completed by the end of 2000, he said.

The personable Boyd recalled driving from the company's Eldorado operation in Henderson to its California hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas 20 years ago and thinking a small parcel he and some partners owned midway between the two properties "would be a great place for a locals casino."

While there was initial skepticism among other Las Vegas casino operators, Boyd said, his father Sam was excited about the concept of a Western-themed resort that catered to both locals and tourists alike.

"We opened with 300 employees, and now have 1,880," he said, noting Sam's Town's seven previous expansions.

Since opening, the Sam's Town hotel-casino site has grown to 63 acres housing a 118,000-square-foot casino, a 56-lane bowling center, a retail store selling Western gear, 642 hotel rooms, 12 restaurants and parking for 4,000 cars and 500 recreational vehicles.

It sponsors professional bowling events and NASCAR auto races and has a loyal following among residents who enjoy its recreational facilities, which include a Western dance hall that attracts many repeat customers.

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