For generations, the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians has been a source of resilience and leadership in Southern California. We are descendants of the Chemehuevi, a peaceful, nomadic people whose homelands stretched across California, Arizona, Utah and southern Nevada, and we keep a deep connection to the sacred Oasis of Mara in Twentynine Palms.
Our reservation was established in 1895 and expanded in 1979 to include land in Coachella. Today, we honor that heritage while driving economic growth. Our enterprises, including Spotlight 29 Casino and Tortoise Rock Casino, employ more than 1,200 people and allow us to give back to the wider community.
Led by an elected Tribal Council, we are committed to protecting the California desert, including Joshua Tree National Park, and the sacred sites within it.
Join us as we honor our past, strengthen our present and build a future of shared prosperity.
Stay informed about our latest initiatives, community engagements, and upcoming events. From cultural celebrations to environmental projects, our news and events section highlights the dynamic activities that define our Tribe’s ongoing journey. We are proud to share stories of collaboration, achievement, and the vibrant traditions that continue to shape our identity and strengthen our connections within and beyond our community.
Premier Coachella Valley Entertainment Destination Joins Lakers Ahead of Historic Inaugural Season at Acrisure Arena
PALM DESERT, CA (September 8, 2026) – The Coachella Valley Lakers announced today that Spotlight 29 Casino has been named the team’s presenting sponsor for the inaugural 2026-27 NBA G League season at Acrisure Arena. The partnership represents a significant commitment to launching professional basketball in the Coachella Valley and aligns the CV Lakers with one of the region’s most recognizable entertainment destinations.
As presenting sponsor, Spotlight 29 Casino will be prominently integrated throughout the Lakers’ inaugural season, with a significant presence across the team’s games, marketing initiatives, community engagement, and fan experiences. The partnership builds on Spotlight 29 Casino’s continued investment in professional sports and entertainment throughout the Coachella Valley and further connects the organization with fans across the region.
“Spotlight 29 Casino has been an incredible partner, sharing our vision for what the Coachella Valley Lakers can mean to this community,” said Nathan Truesdell, Vice President of Marketing and Revenue for the Coachella Valley Lakers. “Their commitment is an investment in creating something the entire Coachella Valley can rally around and call its own. We’re proud to have Spotlight 29 Casino alongside us as we tip off our historic inaugural season.”
Spotlight 29 Casino has become an integral partner in the growth of professional sports in the Coachella Valley, including its longstanding relationship with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. The addition of the Lakers expands that commitment as Acrisure Arena enters a new era as the home of both professional hockey and basketball. Through the partnership, Spotlight 29 Casino will help create memorable experiences for Lakers fans while supporting the continued growth of sports and entertainment throughout the region.
“The Tribe has always believed in aligning with initiatives that strengthen our community and bring visitors to the Coachella Valley,” said Chairman Darrell Mike of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. “We are proud to partner with this iconic franchise to bring professional basketball directly to our backyard.”
The Coachella Valley Lakers will tip off their inaugural season in 2026-27, bringing NBA G League basketball to Acrisure Arena for the first time. The Lakers will play 24 home games during their debut season, giving fans across the region the opportunity to experience the next generation of Lakers basketball in the Coachella Valley.
The complete 2026-27 Coachella Valley Lakers schedule can be found HERE.
Season Ticket Memberships on Sale Now!
Get access to all 24 regular-season home games at Acrisure Arena, along with exclusive member events and experiences, 25% off select food and beverage purchases, and discounted parking. Memberships start at just $20 per game, making it the most accessible way to experience every home matchup during the team’s inaugural campaign. Click HERE to learn more!
Premium Experiences on Sale Now!
Looking for an elevated game day experience? Coachella Valley Lakers Premium Memberships offer courtside seats, exclusive club access, VIP parking and private entrances, invitations to member-only events, and priority access to Acrisure Arena’s world-class concerts and sporting events. Whether you’re entertaining clients, rewarding employees, or creating unforgettable experiences for family and friends, click HERE to learn more about Premium Membership opportunities.
The complete 2026-27 Coachella Valley Lakers schedule can be found HERE.
The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) at Copper Mountain College recognized Chairman Darrell Mike and the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians during its recent Service Member of the Quarter ceremony, honoring the Tribe’s ongoing support of military members and their families.
The event highlighted the Tribe’s long-standing partnership with the ASYMCA and its impact on programs that support service members “in body, mind, and spirit,” according to ASYMCA Executive Director Patrick Byrne.
“You take care of our bodies by helping with our food pantry and gift cards at Christmas,” Byrne said. “You take care of our minds by supporting early childhood programs for military families. And you take care of our spirits in many ways.”
Byrne noted that the relationship goes beyond formal contributions, describing Chairman Mike and the Tribe as a consistent and trusted presence within the military community. Several Marines in attendance volunteered to participate in the ceremony, citing personal interactions with Chairman Mike during previous visits.
During the event, Chairman Mike was presented with a commemorative plaque recognizing the Tribe’s continued commitment to military families. He also received a ceremonial Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, the official emblem of the United States Marine Corps, symbolizing the appreciation of the Marine community.
In his remarks, Chairman Mike reaffirmed the Tribe’s connection to the community and its ongoing support.
“On behalf of my Tribe and me, I want to say thank you,” he said. “You will always have our support. This community is home for us too, and it always will be.”
The ceremony also recognized Service Members of the Quarter, honoring Marines who demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership.
Through partnerships like this, the ASYMCA continues its mission of strengthening military families and the community that supports them.
Spotlight 29 Casino and Acrisure Arena marked a major milestone in their growing partnership with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the newly renamed Premium Level at Acrisure Arena.
The event brought together leaders from Spotlight 29 Casino, the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, Acrisure Arena, and the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Community figures and guests, along with the Firebirds’ mascot Fuego, were on hand to celebrate the continued collaboration between the organizations.
The expanded partnership builds on more than three years of shared investment in the Coachella Valley’s sports and entertainment scene. As founding partners of Acrisure Arena, Spotlight 29 Casino and the Tribe have played a key role in bringing major concerts, hockey games, and large-scale events to the region.
“This partnership has been awesome — what we needed here in this valley,” said George Nicholas, CEO of Spotlight 29 Casino. “Acrisure Arena brings so much excitement to everybody in our community.”
Chairman Darrell Mike joined Nicholas and Acrisure Arena leadership for the ribbon cutting, reflecting the Tribe’s ongoing commitment to supporting experiences that bring the community together.
John Page, Senior Vice President of Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds, emphasized the strength of the relationship and its impact across the valley.
“It’s not very often that you have relationships like this,” Page said. “What we’ve been able to do together really transcends the entire valley.”
The ceremony highlighted not only a physical expansion within the arena, but also the continued growth of a partnership rooted in community pride, shared vision, and long-term investment in the Coachella Valley.
The donations are part of the Tribe’s annual holiday giving program supporting families facing financial hardship and assisting military service members during the Thanksgiving season.
COACHELLA, Calif. – Nov. 18, 2025 – As local food banks and shelters report increased demand this year, the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians is expanding its holiday giving efforts, donating 600 turkeys and 400 $50 gift cards to support families and military service members across the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin ahead of Thanksgiving.
The Tribe donated 300 turkeys to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, which will distribute a portion of them on Thursday, November 20, 2025, beginning at 7:00 a.m., on a first-come, first-served basis (one per family) at 47-470 Van Buren Street, Indio. The remaining turkeys will be served during the Mission’s Thanksgiving holiday meals for individuals and families experiencing hardship.
Another 300 turkeys were donated to the Ready4Reading Book Club, which will host its holiday turkey distribution event on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Wing-n-It, 72317 29 Palms Highway in Twentynine Palms.
Continuing their support for military families, the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians also donated 400 gift cards valued at $50 each to the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) for distribution to Marines and military families serving at the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. This effort reflects the Tribe’s on-going commitment to supporting service members and military families in the community.
“This year has been especially challenging, with more people turning to food banks and shelters for support,” said Chairman Darrell Mike of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. “The Tribe is committed to helping our neighbors who are struggling and ensuring everyone can share in the warmth and comfort of the holiday season. Supporting our community and our service members is an important part of who we are.”
The Tribe’s annual turkey donations and holiday giving efforts reflect a long-standing commitment to uplifting families, strengthening essential community services, and supporting local military personnel.
About Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians and Business Enterprises
Spotlight 29 Casino, Tortoise Rock Casino, Shelee’s Travel Center, Red Falcon and 29 Brews are wholly owned business operations of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, a Chemehuevi people whose traditional territory includes parts of California, Utah, Arizona, and Southern Nevada. In 1867, a Clan of Chemehuevi settled at the Oasis of Mara. The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians are their descendants. Today, the Tribe’s lands consist of one Reservation separated by the Joshua Tree National Park over two counties from Coachella, CA to Twentynine Palms, CA. The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians will continue to focus on providing opportunities of growth and prosperity for the Tribe’s future generations. For more information about the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, its culture, heritage, and traditions, visit 29palmstribe.org
Spotlight 29 Casino and the Coachella Valley Firebirds proudly salute America’s heroes and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps., Tuesday, November 11
PALM DESERT, CA (November 6, 2025) – The Coachella Valley Firebirds, will honor the bravery and sacrifice of our nation’s service members during Military Appreciation Night, presented for the fourth year by Spotlight 29 Casino, on Tuesday, November 11 at 6:30 p.m. inside Acrisure Arena.
This signature theme night brings the community together to honor the brave men and women of the armed forces and to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps honoring the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the men and women who have served. Fans will enjoy an evening of community connection, special giveaways, and heartfelt moments recognizing America’s military heroes. This highly anticipated event pre-game festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. PT with puck drop at 7:00 pm. PT.
“The Tribe is proud to stand with our community in honoring those who serve,” said Chairman Darrell Mike of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. “Military Appreciation Night is a way to thank our veterans, active-duty service members, and their families for their courage and sacrifice.”
ACRISURE QUOTE
Before the game, Spotlight 29 Casino will host a large banner signing on the plaza, inviting guests to share personal messages of appreciation for active-duty service members and veterans. Following the game, the completed banner will be presented to military representatives in attendance as a symbol of gratitude from the Coachella Valley community. The pregame celebration will also feature a traditional Cake Cutting Ceremony, a time-honored Marine Corps tradition featuring the oldest and youngest Marines in attendance, marking the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps and honoring those who have served throughout history. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for Happy Hour at The Oasis, beginning at 5:00 p.m., featuring $5 beer and $10 wine specials before puck drop.
Inside Acrisure Arena, fans can enjoy a range of Spotlight 29 Casino activations, including a themed concourse photo booth and complimentary American flags distributed throughout the night. The excitement continues with a custom military-themed t-shirt toss, and one lucky row will win the Spotlight 29 Lucky Row Giveaway, which includes $25 Shelee’s Travel Center gas cards, drawstring bags, koozies, playing cards, and tumblers. The evening is designed to celebrate and thank the men and women of the armed forces through interactive moments and fan engagement.
In addition, the first 7,500 fans in attendance will receive a Firebirds Military-Themed Bucket Hat, courtesy of Spotlight 29 Casino. Game-worn Military Appreciation Night jerseys, along with limited-edition Military Hats and Mystery Pucks, will be available through the DASH Auction App. Proceeds will benefit local veterans’ programs and community initiatives.
Pocket-Friendly Pick and Turn Tables Grill
This game’s Pocket Friendly Pick of the Game will feature Chicken Skewers—a delicious and affordable choice that adds to the growing list of fan-favorite options offered throughout Acrisure Arena. Guests can also stop by Turn Tables Grill behind Sections 121 and 122 to enjoy local favorite Mr. Clamato, serving up signature flavors from the Coachella Valley.
Team Store Item of the Game
Fans looking to take home exclusive Firebirds merchandise can visit the Team Store for the Item of the Game, featuring the Men’s Primary Static Polo and Men’s Wordmark Static Polo. Both items will be available at a special discounted price of $44.95, down from the regular $54.95, for one night only.
Tickets On Sale Now!
Click HERE to get your tickets now! Stop by the Ticketmaster Box Office at Acrisure Arena to avoid additional fees:
Box Office Hours:
Fans are encouraged to secure $20 parking for future games by purchasing in advance through the ParkWhiz app. Parking rates will increase on the day of the game.
Get Your Ticket Plan Today!
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of a special season of events. With ticket packages designed to fit your lifestyle – including full season, half season, 9-game plans, and more – there is something for every fan this season. Join the Firebirds Family today! To learn more about all available 2025-26 ticket packages, click HERE.
Premium Seating at Firebirds’ Games
For the first time in three years, a limited number of seats have been released in our premium clubs, the desert’s most exclusive and sought-after premium experience! This is the spot where the Coachella Valley’s leaders and tastemakers gather to connect, unwind, and enjoy world-class entertainment with family, friends, and clients. Elevate your game day like never before with Firebirds’ Premium Seating! Experience access to VIP amenities and inclusive food options all from the comfort of one of our several club options located throughout Acrisure Arena. Learn more about Premium Seating HERE!
Fan-Centric Gameday Enhancements
For the 2025-26 season, the Firebirds are rolling out a series of fan-first enhancements designed to make the gameday experience more accessible, convenient, and enjoyable. Highlights include advance-purchase parking savings, new Pocket-Friendly Picks food and beverage options, earlier weekday start times, and pregame Happy Hour at The Oasis, and more! Click HERE to learn more.
Stay up to date on the latest Firebirds’ news and info by visiting CVFirebirds.com and by following the team on social media @Firebirds.
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About the Coachella Valley Firebirds
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are the AHL’s 32nd Franchise and the affiliate of the Seattle Kraken. The Firebirds are two-time Western Conference Champions and play their home games at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, CA. Visit CVFirebirds.com for the latest news and information.
About Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians and Business Enterprises
Spotlight 29 Casino, Tortoise Rock Casino, Shelee’s Travel Center, Red Falcon and 29 Brews are wholly owned business operations of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, a Chemehuevi people whose traditional territory includes parts of California, Utah, Arizona, and Southern Nevada. In 1867, a Clan of Chemehuevi settled at the Oasis of Mara. The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians are their descendants. Today, the Tribe’s lands consist of one Reservation separated by the Joshua Tree National Park over two counties from Coachella, CA to Twentynine Palms, CA. The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians will continue to focus on providing opportunities of growth and prosperity for the Tribe’s future generations. For more information about the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, its culture, heritage, and traditions, visit 29palmstribe.org
About Acrisure Arena
America’s hottest music festival destination finally has the world-class arena it deserves. Opened December 2022, the Acrisure Arena provides the greater Palm Springs area of Southern California with a premiere 11,000+ capacity venue hosting the biggest artists and acts on the planet. Designed specifically for hockey and with optimal acoustics for concerts, the new arena provides top-tier hospitality, artist amenities, and all the benefits of a modern music and sports venue. In addition, the facility serves as the home of the American Hockey League affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
The Acrisure Arena is a $300+ million project that is being 100% privately funded through outstanding partners Oak View Group, Seattle Kraken, and Live Nation. Learn more at AcrisureArena.com and follow Acrisure Arena on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About the Seattle Kraken
Launched in 2021, the Seattle Kraken are the National Hockey League’s 32nd franchise and compete in the league’s Pacific Division. The 2025-26 season will be the Kraken’s quintennial at Climate Pledge Arena. Visit www.nhl.com/kraken for the latest news and information including press releases, multimedia and content.
Media Contact
Evan Pivnick
Director of Broadcast & Communications, Coachella Valley Firebirds
(516) 987-5957
COACHELLA, Calif., Nov. 18, 2025 – 29 Brews, owned and operated by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians continued its winning streak, with the Chairman’s Mexican Lager capturing a bronze medal in the American Cream Ale category at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition in Denver, hosted and presented by the Brewers Association®. 29 Brew has the distinction of being the only Coachella Valley brewery to ever earn recognition at this prestigious national competition.
Established in 1982, the GABF is the largest ticketed beer festival in the United States and one of the largest in the world. Beers and ciders spanning 108 beer categories and six cider categories were judged by panels of professional industry experts. Winning a coveted GABF medal signifies international recognition for brewing excellence, honoring both quality and style accuracy.
Founded in December 2020, 29 Brews, in residence at Spotlight 29 Casino’s Taproom 29,
has quickly gained acclaim for its craftsmanship and creativity. The Chairman’s Mexican Lager features a crisp, balanced profile with a smooth malt quality and a subtle hop note. Together with the award-winning Chairman’s Blonde, the Chairman’s brand lineup continues to be a top seller at the Tribe’s Spotlight 29 and Tortoise Rock Casinos with over 44,000 pints poured last year.
“I’m so proud of the 29 Brews team, whose focus and craftsmanship have taken us from a startup brewery to a nationally recognized brand in a short time,” said Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Chairman Darrell Mike. “This recognition for the Chairman’s Mexican Lager is a testament to their talent and hard work.”
Brewed with precision by Brewmaster Jacob Jimenez, the 29 Brews portfolio features eight handcrafted styles, from the bronze medal-winning Mad Bison Stout to the Hoppin’ Aussie Hop’, an Australian Pale Ale that earned a silver medal earlier this year. The beers are poured exclusively at Spotlight 29 Casino’s Taproom 29, Tortoise Rock Casino, and the Red Falcon Lounge, all wholly owned and operated by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. 29 Brews can also be found at the Chairman’s Club inside Acrisure Arena and at major Coachella Valley events such as The American Express Golf Tournament and the BNP Paribas Open.
Earlier this year, 29 Brews was also recognized as “California Brewery of the Year” for the second consecutive year at the 2025 New York International Beer Competition, where the Chairman’s Mexican Lager earned a gold medal—further underscoring the brewery’s continued momentum and growing reputation for excellence.
About Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians and Business Enterprises
Spotlight 29 Casino, Tortoise Rock Casino, Shelee’s Travel Center, Red Falcon and 29 Brews are wholly owned business operations of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, a Chemehuevi people whose traditional territory includes parts of California, Utah, Arizona, and Southern Nevada. In 1867, a Clan of Chemehuevi settled at the Oasis of Mara. The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians are their descendants. Today, the Tribe’s lands consist of one Reservation separated by the Joshua Tree National Park over two counties from Coachella, CA to Twentynine Palms, CA. The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians will continue to focus on providing opportunities of growth and prosperity for the Tribe’s future generations. For more information about the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, its culture, heritage, and traditions, visit 29palmstribe.org
We are proud to serve our local communities through meaningful, family-friendly events. From our annual 4th of July Celebration and Easter Egg Hunt to youth empowerment programs like the Notah Begay Youth Golf Clinic and Tribal Earth Day, these gatherings reflect our commitment to connection, culture, and giving back.
While gaming has played a key role in our economic growth, we continue to expand through bold new ventures that support long-term sustainability. Alongside the success of Spotlight 29 Casino and Tortoise Rock Casino, we’ve launched thriving businesses across a variety of industries.
Shelee’s Travel Center meets the growing demand for affordable fuel and on-the-go services. Red Falcon, our Dispensary and Lounge, is redefining the cannabis experience. And 29 Brews, our award-winning brewing company, continues to earn national and international recognition—most notably as California Brewery of the Year by the New York International Beer Competition for three consecutive years.
These businesses reflect our commitment to innovation, self-sufficiency, and creating lasting opportunity for future generations.
As the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities continue to grow, so do we. The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians is proud to support many of the region’s premier sporting and entertainment events through strategic partnerships and sponsorships.
At the BNP Paribas Open, Spotlight 29 Casino serves as a Premier Sponsor, Official Casino, Exclusive Casino, Presenting Sponsor of Tennis Paradise Radio, and Official Volunteer Sponsor. During The American Express PGA tournament, the Tribe is proud to be a Presenting Sponsor, Official Event Sponsor, Official Volunteer Sponsor, and Official Tribal Casino and Hotel.
The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians is also a Founding Partner and Presenting Partner of the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Coachella Valley Lakers, while Spotlight 29 Casino is a Founding Partner of Acrisure Arena. Through these partnerships, Spotlight 29 and Shelee’s Travel Center help enhance the fan experience throughout the venue and during Firebirds games.
In the equestrian community, Spotlight 29 Casino serves as the Presenting Sponsor of the Desert International Horse Park and a Class Sponsor throughout the season.
These partnerships reflect our ongoing commitment to investing in the Coachella Valley and supporting the events, organizations, and experiences that bring our communities together.
The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians takes great pride in being a supportive presence within the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin. As a sovereign tribal nation, we continue to grow meaningful enterprises that not only sustain our people but also contribute to the vitality of the region.
With over 1,000 dedicated team members, we are proud to create jobs, build partnerships, and invest in efforts that uplift others. Our philanthropic work supports initiatives focused on youth empowerment, education, housing stability, cultural preservation, and environmental care.
Guided by the values of our Chemehuevi heritage, we remain committed to building strong relationships, honoring tradition, and giving back in ways that help our communities thrive—today and for generations to come.
As Chemehuevi people, we have a deep and enduring connection to the land—especially the Twenty-Nine Palms area, where our roots run generations deep. In honoring that connection, we established the Tribal Environmental Protection Agency (TEPA) in 1997 and the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) in 2012. Together, these agencies reflect our commitment to protecting both the natural world and the cultural legacy of our ancestors.
The Tribal Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, oversees a wide range of environmental programs on our Reservation. These include:
Our Tribal Historic Preservation Office safeguards cultural resources within our ancestral Chemehuevi territory. Through cultural resource monitoring, repatriation efforts, and formal consultation, we ensure that sacred sites, historic structures, and tribal heritage are protected and respected.
For us, stewardship is not only a responsibility—it is a way of life, rooted in our history and guided by our vision for the future.
Learn more about how the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians have impacted the surrounding communities with growth and support!