Reno’s Grand Sierra Resort undergoes a $1 billion, 10-year redevelopment

In Reno, Nev., Grand Sierra Resort (GSR), a hotel and casino built in the 1970s, is undergoing a $1 billion, 10-year redevelopment plan.  The renovation of the 14-acre property is the largest private capital investment in the city’s history, according to a statement from GSR.

For the first phase of the redevelopment project, GSR has broken ground on a new $435 million arena. At 300,000 sf, the 10,000-seat GSR Arena’s amenity spaces will include hospitality clubs, luxury suites, and an immersive fan experience zone. The facility also will offer a year-round, full-service community ice-skating rink.

GSR Arena will serve as the future home of Nevada Wolf Pack, the men’s basketball program at the University of Nevada, Reno, and will host other Northern Nevada sports events. Upon completion in fall 2027, the arena is expected to host about 95 events annually.

“This state-of-the-art facility will deliver an unmatched home-court experience for our student-athletes, our fans, and the entire Northern Nevada community,” Stephanie Rempe, Athletics Director, University of Nevada, Reno, said in a statement.

Gensler designed the arena in collaboration with GSR, Meruelo Group, and the University of Nevada. “Together, we are creating a world-class experience for everyone who lives in and visits this great city,” Andy Cohen, Global Co-Chair, Gensler, said in a statement.

In addition to the arena, the GSR redevelopment plan includes 800 new hotel rooms and suites, 300 affordable housing residences, and a 10-level, 2,800-space parking garage, as well as a reimagined Grand Bay aquatic golf facility. The project aims to provide a 24/7 entertainment lifestyle district.

Project team: Alex Meruelo (owner), Gensler (design architect and architect of record), ME Engineers (MEP engineer), Walter P Moore (structural engineer), Martin-Harris Construction (contractor, GSR Arena) and Neeser Construction (contractor, parking structure).