July 22, 2026 – Cedar Rapids is on the verge of something big. The Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center, a $275 million destination currently under construction on the northwest side of the city, is set to open its doors on December 31, 2026. And for anyone living in, moving to, or investing in the Cedar Rapids area, this is news worth paying attention to.
From a projected $2.25 billion economic boost over the next decade to hundreds of new jobs and millions in community donations, Cedar Crossing isn’t just a casino, it’s a catalyst for the kind of growth that transforms a city.
What Is Cedar Crossing Casino?
Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center is being built on the former Cooper’s Mill site in northwest Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The $275 million project is one of the most significant economic development investments in the region’s history. The facility will include:
- 700 slot machines and 22 table games
- A 1,500-seat entertainment venue for concerts and live events
- Destination restaurants, including Zach Johnson’s Clubhouse and River’s Edge Smokehouse
- Center Court Sports Bar and Strings Guitar Bar
- An arts and cultural center
- A family-friendly STEM lab
This isn’t your average casino. Cedar Crossing is being designed as a full entertainment destination, a place where families, sports fans, foodies, and gamers all have something to look forward to.
The Economic Impact: By the Numbers
The numbers behind Cedar Crossing’s economic impact are hard to ignore.
$2.25 billion — That’s the projected regional economic impact over the first decade of operation, according to market studies. To put that in perspective, that’s more than $220 million injected into the local economy every single year.
$257 million in economic impact is expected during the construction phase alone — money flowing directly into the local economy through labor, materials, and services. In fact, 96% of construction contracts have been awarded to Iowa-based firms, meaning this investment stays home.
800 construction jobs are being supported throughout the 18-month build. Once open, the casino will employ approximately 365 permanent workers in gaming, hospitality, and operations, with an additional 315 indirect jobs expected to emerge in the surrounding area.
$34 million+ in combined annual tax revenue is projected for the city and state once the casino reaches full operation. On top of that, developers have agreed to a minimum property tax assessment of $50 million, generating roughly $2 million annually for the city of Cedar Rapids.
And then there’s the state licensing fee: $20 million, paid over five yearly installments, revenue that flows directly back into Iowa.
What Cedar Crossing Means for the Community
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Beyond the big economic figures, Cedar Crossing is making meaningful commitments to the people of Cedar Rapids.
Nonprofit Support: Cedar Crossing has pledged 8% of its annual net adjusted gross revenue to local nonprofit organizations — more than double the minimum required by Iowa law. That translates to an estimated $6 million or more per year going back into the community through charitable giving.
Infrastructure Investment: The city of Cedar Rapids has used the casino project as a catalyst for broader improvements, including flood control measures and road upgrades in the surrounding area, benefits that will serve residents long after the ribbon-cutting.
Community Connectivity: A dedicated shuttle program will link Cedar Crossing with local attractions across the city, encouraging visitors to explore downtown Cedar Rapids and supporting other local businesses in the process.
Local First: With 96% of contracts going to Iowa firms and a strong focus on hiring local workers, Cedar Crossing is a project built by Cedar Rapids, for Cedar Rapids.
Why Living Near Cedar Crossing is a Perk in Itself
For current and prospective residents, proximity to a development of this scale comes with some real lifestyle advantages.
More to do, close to home. Cedar Rapids has always had a lot going for it, a vibrant arts scene, the Czech Village, NewBo City Market, and easy access to the great outdoors along the Cedar River. Cedar Crossing adds a major entertainment anchor to that list, bringing world-class dining, live events, and nightlife to the northwest side of the city.
Rising property values. Major entertainment and hospitality developments consistently drive up property values in surrounding neighborhoods. Getting into the Cedar Rapids market now — before Cedar Crossing opens, puts residents and investors in a strong position.
A growing job market. More jobs mean more people moving to the area, more businesses opening to serve them, and a stronger local economy overall. Cedar Crossing’s ripple effect on employment extends well beyond its own workforce.
Increased city revenue = better services. More than $34 million in annual tax revenue means Cedar Rapids has more resources to invest in parks, schools, roads, and public safety, quality-of-life improvements that benefit every resident.
Entertainment at your doorstep. Whether it’s catching a concert at the 1,500-seat venue, watching the game at Center Court Sports Bar, or sitting down to dinner at a destination restaurant, Cedar Crossing gives Cedar Rapids residents a reason to stay local for a great night out.
Cedar Rapids: Already a Great Place to Live
Even before Cedar Crossing breaks the ribbon, Cedar Rapids offers a quality of life that often surprises people from larger metro areas. The cost of living is well below the national average, the community is tight-knit and welcoming, and the city has invested heavily in recovery and renewal since the devastating 2008 flood.
Add in a strong healthcare and manufacturing job base, top-rated schools, and easy access to both Iowa City and the Quad Cities corridor, and Cedar Crossing becomes the cherry on top of an already compelling place to call home.
The Bottom Line
Cedar Crossing Casino isn’t just a new entertainment venue, it’s a statement about where Cedar Rapids is headed. With $2.25 billion projected to flow through the local economy over the next decade, hundreds of new jobs, millions in nonprofit funding, and a world-class entertainment complex taking shape on the northwest side, Cedar Rapids is positioning itself as one of the most exciting mid-sized cities in the Midwest.
Whether you’re already here or thinking about making the move, the momentum is real, and it’s only going to build from here.
Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center is scheduled to open December 31, 2026. For more information, visit cedarcrossing.com.
Economic projections and project details referenced in this post were drawn from the following sources: CBS2 Iowa, CDC Gaming, Casino Beats, Construction Owners Association, Corridor Business Journal, and GGB Magazine. For more information about Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center, visit cedarcrossing.com.