More details on Seneca Resorts & Casinos reopening

Seneca Resorts & Casinos sets reopening dates after 15-week closure due to COVID-19

Closely monitored return to operations will occur in phases

After 15 weeks of closure due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Seneca Resorts & Casinos has announced phase one of its return to operations will begin Thursday, June 18, with the opening of Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is the only Seneca Resorts & Casinos property to open at this time, with strict protocols in place to protect the health and safety of guests and team members alike, including limited slot machines, no table games, and minimal food/beverage service and seating to promote social distancing.

Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino’s phased opening is set for Thursday, June 25, with Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino opening the following week on Thursday, July 2.

“After this unprecedented and unsettling time in our community, we look forward to welcoming back our dear guests and friends,” said David Sheridan, interim CEO and CFO, Seneca Gaming Corp. “The health and safety of our team members, guests and their families continues to be our highest priority.”

A press release said, “During this closure, which began March 16, the Seneca Resorts & Casinos team has established a comprehensive plan informed by public health experts and CDC guidance to adapt all front-facing and back-of-house procedures to maintain a safe and fun environment. The plan, which can be accessed in full at SenecaNiagaraCasino.com, includes protocols for social distancing, disinfecting measures, and wellness screenings for both team members and guests.”

“We are confident in opening Seneca Resorts & Casinos in phases while implementing the most comprehensive steps across all of our departments to ensure an effective return to operations while protecting everyone in the facility,” Sheridan said. “We look forward to reconnecting with our extended Seneca family … from a distance.”

“In addition to all of our guest communications, we are outlining all of our new internal procedures and protocols to our team members through extensive training,” said Lori V. Quigley, chairwoman, Seneca Gaming Corp. board of directors. “We will be closely monitoring these procedures and protocols, and we will take a measured approach as we expand our offerings after successfully opening this initial phase.”

Highlights of the phase one reopening plan include:

√ Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino will operate at reduced capacity in order to maintain social distancing for guests and employees.

√ Hotel operations as well as the spa and salon will remain closed.

√ Most restaurants will remain closed. Morrie’s, now temporarily located in the hotel lobby area, will provide grab-n-go options only, with no sit-down dining. Blues Burger will also offer grab-n-go options and socially distanced sit-down dining.

√ Odds & Ends will be the only retailer open.

√ Some slot machines will be open to allow for appropriate social distancing. There will be no table games available at this time.

√ STIR and The Lobby Bar are closed. Aces bar and the former KENO bar (near the Sports Lounge) will serve nonalcoholic drinks with strict social distancing measures in place. No alcohol will be offered. Beverage service – including water, soda, coffee and tea – will be provided.

√ The Sports Lounge will be open for placement of wagers at kiosks only; no counter service will be available.

√ Resort hours of operation will also be limited to 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

Before arrival, guests are asked to visit SenecaNiagaraCasino.com for “what you need to know before you go,” and a message from Seneca Resorts & Casinos. Guests will be expected to adhere to a variety of new regulations established to keep them as safe as possible during their visit.

Seneca Resorts & Casinos will continue to provide updated information on the phased reopening process on its website. Patrons can check back regularly at: senecaniagaracasino.com, senecabuffalocreekcasino.com and senecaalleganycasino.com.

Seneca Resorts & Casinos consists of three class three premier gaming and resort facilities, which include Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo, and Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in Salamanca; as well as the award-winning championship Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course in Lewiston. More information is available by calling 1-877-8-SENECA (1-877-873-6322) or visiting SenecaCasinos.com.