HOLLYWOOD CASINO IN JAMUL WILL HAVE TONY GWYNN SPORTS PUB

By Leon Thompson

January 20, 2016 (Jamul) – The Jamul Indian Village (JIV) of California announced the first ever Tony Gwynn Sports Pub will open in its Hollywood Casino Jamul slated for completion this summer.  Tony Gwynn’s Sports Pub will feature an unprecedented collection of memorabilia from the greatest athlete in San Diego’s history.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Gwynn family to showcase ‘Mr. Padre’s’ incredible collection of awards, uniforms, and personal mementos for our customers to enjoy,” said Richard St. Jean, General Manager of Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego.

Tony Gwynn memorabilia will be on display throughout the restaurant, including Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards, game-used uniforms, equipment, and more. Plus there will be Gwynn’s own narration on video of some of the greatest moments in Padre History.

 “It is surreal to have the first Tony Gwynn themed sports bar in our casino,” said Michael Hunter, Executive Council Member of the Jamul Indian Village.  “I grew up watching and rooting for the Padres, and Tony Gwynn was one of my heroes.  It will be an honor to have his memorabilia at Hollywood Casino and we greatly appreciate the partnership with Alicia Gwynn and her family.”

 “I am so excited to share Tony’s legacy with Jamul Indian Village and the future visitors of Hollywood Casino,” said Alicia Gwynn.  “Not only was Tony a great player, he was an exceptional man.  It will be wonderful to have his accomplishments highlighted in East County."

Alicia Gwynn is as beloved in San Diego as her famous husband from her charitable generosity and compassion as President of the Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to bettering the lives of disadvantaged children. Her work with the Foundation mirrors the goals of JIV’s budding charitable organization, Acorns to Oaks, headed by Chris Pinto, JIV Executive Council member.

“We are proud to join with Alicia Gwynn to highlight her husband’s career and support their efforts with the less fortunate,” said Erica Pinto, Chairwoman of the Jamul Indian Village. “Our philanthropic interests align and we look forward to working with her Foundation to support the greater San Diego community.”

In addition to Tony Gwynn Sports Pub, Penn National Gaming, the JIV’s partner, announced other food venues that will be opened including:

 ·         Final Cut Steak & Seafood – a contemporary American steakhouse serving hand-cut to order USDA Wagyu and Prime Beef, fresh and local seafood, and an extensive wine list.

·         Emerald Chinese Cuisine – San Diego’s premiere dim sum and Cantonese style restaurant is heading to East County to share their popular dishes. 

·         Tres Taqueria – Customers will be able to enjoy some of the best tacos and burritos in southern California.

·         Pizza Port – Die-hard fans of this San Diego County institution will now be able to grab a slice in Jamul. 

·         Ruby’s Diner – Ruby’s famous burgers and old-fashioned root beer floats will be available in our food court.

“We are very pleased with the variety of high quality dining options to be available at the facility,” said St. Jean. “The collective brand recognition at Hollywood Casino will be unmatched in San Diego County, and our customers will be able to enjoy each of them under one roof.”

The Jamul Indian Village is one of 13 bands of the Kumeyaay Nation federally recognized as a sovereign nation. The Kumeyaay Nation traces its roots in our region back 12,000 years, long before the first Europeans arrived at San Diego Bay in 1524.  The Jamul Indian Village, which entered into a tribal-state pact in California in 1999, strives to provide educational opportunities, health care and employment for tribal members to “open the doors of tomorrow,” according to a press release. Learn more about Jamul Indian Village at  www.jamulindianvillage.com.

The casino has met with opposition by some community members who oppose gambling and voiced concerns over traffic and rural character. Lawsuits challenging casino construction have been unsuccessful, though some cases remain on appeal. 

The Jamul Indian Village of California will be the closest Native American casino to downtown San Diego.  The Hollywood themed casino will sport slot machines, live table games, restaurants, entertainment and the Tony Gwynn Sports Pub.