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Wild Horse Pass is upping its appeal to locals
BY GERI KOEPPEL Tribune Contributor
If you haven’t been to Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass just south of Ahwatukee Foothills lately, you might not know what the ubiquitous TV ads that promise a glitzy Las Vegasstyle experience are referring to.
And in fact, it boasts a range of new offerings designed to appeal to locals as well as visitors.
In addition to a rebranding from Gila River Hotel & Casinos, the $180 million expansion includes an 11-story hotel tower, a sports book, Topgolf Swing Suite, a new rooftop steakhouse and patio bar, coffee and pastry shop, pool renovations and additions, gaming tables on the casino floor and more conference and convention space.
To be clear, the Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass only refers to the casino and attached resort run by the Gila River Gaming Enterprise. Other businesses on its land, including the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, the Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass, and others are separate entities.
The project, which broke ground in 2020, mostly was completed in January with the exception of the Topgolf Swing Suite, which opened in May.
“It’s only been open a few weeks, but we’ve been pretty busy,” said Daniela Vizcarra, public relations manager for Gila River Resorts & Casinos.
This is the only Topgolf Swing Suite in the state, Vizcarra noted, and includes two bays for up to eight people playing virtual sports against a screen, including golf, hockey, football, soccer and baseball.
It also features a full bar, table games, three betting kiosks, a broadcast/DJ booth and more than 20 TV screens. It accepts walk-ins, and reservations are accepted on OpenTable.
Topgolf is open Thursday through SunGila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass has spent $180 million on a massive expansion and upgrade as it woos locals to its many amenities.
(Courtesy Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass) day and can be booked for private events Monday through Wednesday, with catering and blackjack available.
During regular hours, “You do not have to play Topgolf,” Vizcarra mentioned. “It’s an open bar—you can just hang out.” It’s housed on the second floor, where the old Shula’s Steak House was located, with a birds-eye view of the gaming floor below.
Opposite Topgolf, also overlooking the gaming floor, is the sports book, which Vizcarra said was “packed” during March Madness. It was their first time taking bets for it since the 2021 Arizona Gaming Compact was signed.
With a capacity of 246, Wild Horse Pass is the biggest of Gila River’s three sports books, which also opened at Vee Quiva and Lone Butte. It has a full bar and food service as well as rows and rows of big screens and 10 betting kiosks (there are two more near the River Bar). Although all bets are placed online, Vizcarra noted an employee is always on hand to help. “A lot of people have never done this before, so it can be a little intimidating,” she said, adding, “Because we are on the reservation, you can only bet here in person” and not on an app on your phone. The nonsmoking casino floor also got a refresh with new colors, carpeting and lighting as well as a giant LED screen. After the gaming laws changed, the casino also added a total of 51 table games like blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat.
“We are really catering to the Asian community” with baccarat, Vizcarra said, offering perks and incentives. The gaming floor still includes 1,100 slot machines and a food court, and just outside is the entrance to the 1,400-seat Showroom theater that hosts music, comedy and more.
Also upstairs next to the sports book is a gift shop and a new café called Aroma Coffee & Pasticceria, selling Starbucks drinks as well as desserts and gelato.
Just past that is the new, brighter, modern 11-story Sunrise hotel tower with 205 guest rooms and suites. It connects
to the original Sunset Tower, which has 242 rooms and was renovated in 2019.
On the roof of the Sunrise Tower is Prime, A Shula’s Steak House, which has been a big draw for locals. It boasts expansive views, a visible kitchen, semiprivate dining room and glass elevator.
It’s been “booked for weeks” and reservations are a must, Vizcarra said.
Prime also has outdoor seating for dining, and from 10–11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, the patio becomes 11VEN, a chic cocktail lounge with deejay.
“The views out here when the sun is setting is absolutely gorgeous,” Vizcarra stated.
Also, the pool area was completely reconfigured and a “Serenity Pool” for age 21 and up was added. The main Oasis Pool is all ages and open to guests only.
“Unlike other resorts, we do not do day passes,” Vizcarra said. They also never charge a resort fee, she added.
The only exception is from 2–6 p.m. the last Saturday of each month through September, when the public can attend a Vegas-style “Summer Oasis Pool Party” for age 21 and up. The ticket price is $40; hotel guests get two free passes.
The Topgolf Swing Suite at Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass is the only one in Arizona and includes two bays for up to eight people playing virtual golf. (Courtesy Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass)
If You Go...
What: Gila River Resorts & Casinos Where: 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, AZ 85226
Hours:
Casino: Open 24 hours daily Sports book hours: 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily Topgolf: Swing Suite hours: 5 p.m.–midnight Thursday-Friday, 11 a.m.–midnight Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday and for private events Monday–Wednesday Prime, A Shula’s Steak House and 11VEN: hours: Dining 5–10 p.m. Tuesday–Thursday, 5–11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sunday; 11VEN open 10-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday for cocktails Info: playatgila.com
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Neuropathy Is Often Misdiagnosed
Muscle cramping, difficulty walking, burning, tingling, numbness, and pain in the legs or feet are symptoms of neuropathy people live with every day,” explains Dr. Kerry Zang, podiatric medical director of CIC Foot & Ankle. “The thing is PAD has very similar symptoms. So similar that in many cases, people are told it’s neuropathy when it may not be.”
Medicine is often prescribed. “Pills aren’t a cure, they just suppress the symptoms,” says Zang. “If neuropathy isn’t causing the symptoms, the real problem could get worse.”
It’s important to determine if PAD (peripheral artery disease) is causing the pain or making it worse. PAD is plaque in the arteries which causes poor circulation. “Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to your feet which they need to stay healthy,” explains Zang, “When your feet aren’t getting an adequate supply, they start sending signals.” Those signals include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or cramping.
The good news is PAD is treatable in an office setting. Dr. Joel Rainwater, MD endovascular specialist explains, “We go into the bloodstream to find the blockage using imaging guidance. Then with small tools that can go into the smallest arteries, remove the blockage, and restore blood flow.”
Getting the proper diagnosis is the first step to getting better. “It’s all about finding out what’s causing the problem,” says Zang. “When your feet burn, tingle, or feel numb, it’s your body telling you it needs help, and you should listen.”
If your neuropathy medication is not working, your symptoms may be an indication of another condition.
For golfers, a stiff big toe can make their game suffer.
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Dr. Kerry Zang • Dr. Shah Askari • Dr. Dan Schulman • Dr. Kim Leach Dr. Barry Kaplan • Dr. Jeff Weiss • Dr. Patrick Gillihan
Stiff Joints Interfere with Everyday Living
One in 40 people over the age of 50 may find themselves limiting their activity because of a condition called hallux rigidus. It’s a degenerative disease of the big toe joint. As it progresses, the pain in the joint increases and motion decreases.
“People don’t realize the impact their big toe has on their life. It plays a role in balance, shock absorption, and forward movement as you walk,” explains Dr. Daniel Schulman, of CiC Foot & Ankle. “When the joint is stiff, it’s not able to bend and rotate properly, and it changes how we walk without us even realizing it.” These changes can lead to back or knee pain as well as discomfort in other parts of the foot.
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