DEADWOOD -- Folks attending the 20th anniversary of Deadwood gambling gala Saturday, Nov. 7, will get a preview of coming attractions at the region's newest convention center and resort.

The Lodge at Deadwood is a partnership between Regency Hotels and the city of Deadwood for a 140-room hotel and 1,700-seat convention hall.

But the two-year construction project is still a work in progress.

Crews are aiming for a December deadline to turn it into a functioning convention center, restaurant, sports bar, swimming area and hotel.

"Our restaurant and casino will be completed early December," said Gloriann Kueter, director of sales and marketing. A short section of the road off U.S. Highway 85 that leads up to the resort will be hard-surfaced in the next few weeks. When weather permits, the resort's entrance road and landscaping around the property will be completed.

Kueter said the view will be the first thing visitors will notice. Located across from "Tatanka: Story of the Bison," the four-story resort complex is tall enough for people to see sweeping, panoramic views of the Black Hills and the plains of western South Dakota.

Stone-look flooring, natural wood trim and subdued lighting are featured throughout the facility. Modern artwork and framed photography abound.

Multifaceted resort

Owner and regional operations manager Tom Morris said the facility will open in phases. People coming this weekend will have to wait until next month to see the casino and resort facility. The sports bar, hotel and meeting hall are open now.

"Things are working out well," Morris said. "We're moving forward to get things ready" for December's full opening.

The indoor water park features water slides, geysers, a water cannon, a lily pad rope walk and a pirate ship.

More than 260 state-of-the-art slot machines will be in the casino, plus 13 table games including double-deck blackjack, three-card poker and four-card poker and a new game in Deadwood called "Ultimate Texas Hold 'em."

The Deadwood Grille, not yet open, will have seafood and steaks and a private label wine.

Oggie's Sports Bar is open now, featuring high-definition TVs and the usual bar fare: burgers, sandwiches, wings, pizzas and salads. Happy Hour drink specials and food specials are available every day.

Guests can also buy Starbucks coffee throughout the resort.

Partnership with city of Deadwood

The city owns the convention center, and the resort owners will manage the facility.

Developers used a tax-increment financing program to pay for the $6.9 million facility. The city put in $3 million up front. Instead of paying property taxes to the county, the semiannual taxes are sent to the city as a payoff, which will go on for 15 years.

Coordinating with Deadwood

"It's gorgeous," Deadwood Chamber of Commerce director George Milos said. "It's going to be a really nice facility."

With more than 16,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, Deadwood will be able to compete for large regional and national gatherings for the first time, according to developers.

Milos said the Chamber intends to work with the owners in soliciting national conventions and pampering the large groups of people when they arrive in Deadwood.

Downtown casinos, restaurants and attractions will need to make plans whenever a large group is booked and adjust staffing and promotions, Milos said.

Neighbor welcomes the facility

Spearfish has its own convention center facility at the Northern Hills Holiday Inn off Interstate 90 Exit 12.

Visit Spearfish director Misty Caldwell said the new center in Deadwood will draw attention to the entire area and drive traffic to the northern Black Hills. Conventions larger than 150 people will have to find rooms elsewhere in Deadwood or other towns.

"We're always hopeful the visitors will stay in Spearfish and tour all of the Hills," she said. "If anything, it will encourage more people to stay in the area." She said a natural activity for convention-goers in Lawrence County is a drive through Spearfish Canyon, which would lead visitors right into Spearfish.