Boyd Gaming Corp. executives Bill Boyd and Keith Smith unveiled the final renovations at the casino that got the Boyd family started in gaming, the Eldorado in downtown Henderson.

Boyd has spent about $3 million over the past couple years renovating the interior and exterior of the building. The final piece was a collection of murals depicting classic gaming imagery from the 1940s, including a painting featuring Boyd Gaming founder Sam Boyd with his son Bill, the company’s chairman and CEO.

When the family first acquired the property in 1962, it took an investment of about $100,000. Reflecting on how much things are changing, and the company’s $4.8 billion Echelon development, Boyd commented, “I don’t think $100,000 would build a bathroom at Echelon.”

The Eldorado has been a training ground for Boyd executives, with Suncoast General Manager Joe Fuscaldo, John Repetti, senior vice president of Boyd’s downtown operations, and most recently Leif Erickson, who was just named operations director at the Gold Coast, all getting their starts at the property.

“When you’re out here and you’re the shift boss, you’re in charge when the general manager isn’t around,” Boyd said. “If the toilet stops up, you have to take care of it. It’s real hands-on experience and helps you learn how to make decisions.”

Smith, Boyd Gaming’s president, said while the property accounts for only a small portion of the company’s cash flow, it still has an important place.

 “Financially, it’s a very small part of the company,” he said. “But from a cultural standpoint and a family standpoint, it has much more significance. It’s a locals casino in every sense and that’s important for the history of our company.”

By Casino Connection Staff

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