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

Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians selects SYNKROS® to power its Southern California gaming brands

Popular Southern California gaming destinations Spotlight 29 Casino and Tortoise Rock Casino are launching Konami Gaming, Inc.’s SYNKROS casino management system across a combined 33 table games and over 1,400 gaming machines. SYNKROS® has been selected by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians to power systems technology across its gaming portfolio, further advancing the guest loyalty experience. Members of its 29 Rewards Loyalty Club will enjoy seamless points, offers, promotions, and more when visiting Spotlight 29 Casino and Tortoise Rock Casino—as well as the tribe’s latest venture, Shelee’s Travel Center.

“The move to SYNKROS is the first step towards creating a more customer friendly experience and personalized service for each of our 29 Rewards Loyalty Club members. They can seamlessly play, earn points, and choose how to use those points across our Tribe’s two casinos and Shelee’s Travel Center,” said Chairman Darrell Mike, for the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. The launch of SYNKROS across these sister properties is an important milestone in the long-term technology partnership between Konami Gaming and the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, as the tribe continues to achieve new levels of economic growth and diversification. SYNKROS’ robust system architecture and industry award-winning tools are aligned to power future innovation across the tribe’s gaming venture portfolio, in areas spanning multi-site functionality, marketing, and more. Guests at Spotlight 29 Casino and Tortoise Rock Casino will begin to experience benefits of the new system launch this summer.

“The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians is giving guests the best opportunity to experience and maximize loyalty rewards across its gaming portfolio through the go-live of Konami’s SYNKROS technology. Whether visiting the blackjack table at Spotlight 29 Casino, or spinning the newest slots at Tortoise Rock Casino, patrons can earn points in real-time, to use across a wide mix of amenities exclusive to the tribe’s offering,” said Randy Caron, vice president of systems sales at Konami Gaming, Inc.

Those interested in learning more about SYNKROS’ award-winning product suite are encouraged to visit www.konamigaming.com.

About Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians
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 www.29palmstribe.org.

About Konami Gaming, Inc.
Konami Gaming, Inc. is a Las Vegas-based subsidiary of KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION (TSE:9766). The company is a leading designer and manufacturer of casino games and technology for the global gaming market. For more information about Konami Gaming, Inc. or the SYNKROS® casino management system, please visit www.konamigaming.com.

JULY 4th at TORTOISE ROCK CASINO IN TWENTYNINE PALMS AND JULY 5th At COACHELLA CROSSROADS IN COACHELLA

The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians will host their fifth annual Independence Day celebrations for the local communities of Twentynine Palms and Coachella. The celebration begins on Friday, July 4th at Tortoise Rock Casino and then on Saturday, July 5th the celebrations continue At Coachella Crossroads, near Spotlight 29 Casino. The highlight of both events is a spectacular firework display designed and produced by world renowned pyrotechnic display company, Pyro Spectaculars.

Both events are free and open to the public. Along with spectacular fireworks, there will be music by local DJs, food trucks, games for the kids, giveaways and other family-friendly activities. Blanket and chairs are allowed, however, for safety reasons coolers are restricted.

On Friday, July 4, Tortoise Rock Casino will welcome the public for a day of family-fun with games, food trucks, raffles and Z-107. The event is from 6:30 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. with a live concert by Blane Howard beginning at 8:00 p.m. Fireworks will commence with the beautiful Joshua Tree National Park as the backdrop, at 9:00 p.m. and simulcasted soundtrack provided by Z-107 during the firework display.

On Saturday, July 5, Coachella Crossroads will welcome the public from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. for a day of family-fun, food trucks, games and music by DJ Chase Martinez, then ending the evening is a spectacular firework show starting at 9:00 p.m. with a simulcast soundtrack on radio station, Q-102.

“The Tribe looks forward to hosting these Independence Day events where residents of the High Desert and Coachella Valley communities can come together, have a lot of fun and celebrate Independence,” said Darrell Mike, Chairman of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. “It’s our fifth year for the events and our hope is to continue building on the celebrations for many more years.”

Both events are free, family-friendly and open to the public at large as part of the Twenty–Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians’ commitment to building a strong community in both Joshua National Park and the Coachella Valley.

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

The prestigious competition is judged solely by a panel of trade-only professionals from beer Cicerones, top importers, distributors, retailers and restauranteurs in a blind taste test. The competition, now in its 14th year, awarded 29 Brews with the prestigious title of “California Brewery of the Year” for the second straight year.

The brewery was established in December of 2021 and has already amassed a number of prestigious honors and awards. In addition to California Brewery of the Year, Chairman’s Blonde won the gold medal in the Blonde Ale category for the second consecutive year. The blonde ale uses a single malt and two different hops to create its clean, simple, lightly toasted finish. In addition to Chairman’s Blonde, the Chairman’s Mexican Lager also took home a gold medal. The authentic Mexican style lager creates a crisp, balanced profile with a smooth malt quality and a subtle hop note. These Chairman brands are top sellers at Tribe’s Spotlight 29 and Tortoise Rock Casinos with over 44,000 pints poured last year.

Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Chairman Darrell Mike says, “I’m really proud of the 29 Brews’ team. They’ve worked very hard to perfect our brands and earned many honors in a few short years.” Chairman Mike added, “With the Chairman’s Mexican Lager also winning a Gold Medal …it just propelled this dedicated team to the next level of craftmanship.”

The hand-crafted beer line, brewed with chemist precision by Brewmaster, Jacob Jimenez, includes 8 distinct categories from bronze medal winner Mad Bison Stout to the newest addition to the brand, Hoppin’ Aussie Hop’, an Australian Pale Ale which began pouring only a year ago and won a Silver Medal. The 29 Brews brands are poured at the two casinos and Red Falcon Lounge, all wholly owned and operated by the 29 Palms Band of Mission Indians. The hand-crafted beers can also be found at the Chairman’s Club inside Acrisure Arena and poured at major sporting events around the Coachella Valley such as the American Express Golf Tournament and BNP Paribas Open.

Total honors awarded to 29 Brews at the 2025 New York International Beer Competition:
California Brewery of the Year
Chairman’s Blonde – Gold Medal
Chairman’s Mexican Lager – Gold Medal
Rez Rage Red – Silver Medal
Hoppin’ Aussie Hops – Silver Medal
Tipsy Tortoise – Silver Medal
Mad Bison Stout – Bronze Medal

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

Acrisure Arena, Southern California’s award-winning event destination, and the Coachella Valley Firebirds are proud to announce the expansion of their partnership with founding partner Spotlight 29 Casino to now include Shelee’s Travel Center Grab N Go Markets throughout the venue offering fans of all events quick and easy access to concessions. The rebranded marketplace locations will debut on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, for World Desert Day Takeover at the Firebirds presented by The Living Desert.

“The Tribe is excited to expand on our Founding Partnership with OVG / Acrisure Arena to include our newest Tribal brand, Shelee’s Travel Center,” said Chairman Darrell Mike of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. He added, “We value our partnership and the opportunity it provides to share this unique, high-quality brand with our Coachella Valley community when visiting the Arena”

The Shelee’s Travel Center brand design incorporates a desert tortoise, an endangered resident of the desert, making its debut at the arena for World Desert Day even more impactful by uniting partners, brands, and fans in an educational campaign to raise awareness about the importance of desert ecosystems, their unique biodiversity, and challenges.

“The growth of our partnerships is key to the development of OVG’s business in Southern California. With partners like Spotlight 29 Casino expanding their brands, it’s a natural next step in our partnership to be able to support their growth initiatives through unique touchpoints and activation which allow all to create enhanced fan experiences,” said John Page, SVP, Oak View Group, Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

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 the league’s back-to-back Western Conference Champions and play their home games at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, CA. Visit www.cvfirebirds.com for the latest news and information.

About Oak View Group (OVG)
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster of arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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.

Thermal, Calif. (December 15, 2024) – The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians presented Kaitlin Campbell aboard Chanbette with a $10,000 award for Spotlight 29 Casino’s 1.35m Open Classic. The ceremony took place in the Desert International Horse Park’s Grand Prix Arena on Sunday December 15, 2024.

Spotlight 29 Casino is a gold-level sponsor for the 2024/2025 DIHP season that will culminate in the casino as Presenting Sponsor of Desert Circuit 7. Spotlight 29 will be featured February 19 – 23, 2025 at the Park, topped off with “High Rollers at the Horse Park” casino night.

“This is an exciting new partnership for the Tribe and the casino,” said, Chairman Darrell Mike. It’s a prestigious international event that stimulates the local economy of Coachella.” The Tribe and Spotlight 29 sponsor many of the high-profile sporting events with the intent to make the Coachella Valley into the premier sports destination in Southern California.

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.

The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians in partnership with the Firebirds and Stater Bros. Markets gives back to the community with Military Nights at Acrisure Arena. While every game night we honor a veteran or active service member, Military Nights at Acrisure Arena are a very special event, and this Military Night on November 10th was uniquely special. As the fans and military guests in attendance cheered, the Firebirds hit the ice sporting custom military-themed jerseys dedicated to our service members. With fire and zeal, the team brought a crushing 4 to 2 victory against the Ontario Reign. Not only was the game a great success, but so were all the fundraisers, including the auction for the Firebirds’ custom jerseys. Fans came out in great support, placing bids on the jerseys of their favorite players. This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as it marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

In addition to all the donations and historical impact of this Military Night, it was extra special because the family of Hunter Lopez were in attendance as special guests of The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. The family was honored for Hunter’s service and sacrifice. They received VIP treatment and even rode the zambonis during period intermissions. It was a heartfelt and touching night for everyone in attendance.

The previous Military Appreciation Night presented by Spotlight 29 Casino was on March 23rd. With discounts for military to attend games and promotions at the tribe’s casinos, we are continually creating ways to give back to and show our appreciation of our veterans and active service members.

There are many more ways The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians contributes to the military beyond appreciation nights at Acrisure Arena. The tribe partnered with Stater Bros. Markets to fill the food pantry for the Armed Services YMCA Twentynine Palms. The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, the Firebirds players, and their adored mascot Fuego filled and delivered a massive trailer’s worth of food and goods to the Twentynine Palms Marine Base. Everyone came in support, lifting boxes and supplies, entertaining and taking photos with the children. It was a wonderful time supporting the families on the Twentynine Palms instillation.

We are excited to announce the groundbreaking of one of Southern California’s largest underground storage tank sets at our upcoming Shelee’s Travel Center. The project, led by Western Pump, includes six 40,000-gallon tanks and one 8,000-gallon DBF tank, offering a total capacity of 248,000 gallons. Stay tuned for more updates as we fuel the future of travel in Coachella!

The Cabazon and Twenty-Nine Palms tribes have joined together to create an air-quality monitoring station in Indio to keep residents better informed about their health.

Air quality is a concern in the Coachella Valley, where high levels of smog from Los Angeles hovers and toxic dust rises from the nearby Salton Sea as the water recedes.

“For the tribes, that (the Salton Sea) was the driving factor to start looking at developing an air-quality monitoring program,” said Shawn Muir, environmental coordinator for the Twenty-Nine Palms Tribal EPA.

The Salton Sea is about 20 minutes by car from Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians tribal land.

The air-quality monitoring project was funded by a $400,000 Community Air Grant from the California Air Resources Board under the Assembly Bill 617 program. It is enough to fund the program for three years.

Many tribes treated as a state

Under the Clean Air Act, tribes can be given authority by the federal EPA to implement government programs on tribal land.

“Everything has to be by the book and quality assured,” Muir said.

In addition to air quality, the Twenty-Nine Palms Tribal EPA monitors several aspects of water quality and has made conservation efforts for the desert tortoise, which is a threatened species.

The tribes recently opened the monitoring station, which is next to the Eagle Falls Golf Course at the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians’ Fantasy Springs Resort. Twenty-Nine Palms’ Spotlight 29 Casino is just across Interstate 10 from Fantasy Springs.

Air-quality data is being collected and will be shared with the public soon at 29palmstribe.org so “people can take their health into their own hands,” Muir said.

“There’s going to be certain days where it might not be safe to go jogging outside, for instance,” she explained.

There are other air-quality monitoring stations throughout the Coachella Valley. On opposite sides of the Salton Sea, for example, are stations at the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians reservation in Thermal and an elementary school in Seeley.

The Cabazon and Twenty-Nine Palms tribes will work with the Torres Martinez tribe to calibrate the its equipment, said Jose Uribe, environmental air technician for Twenty-Nine Palms Tribal EPA.

Uribe was hired to monitor equipment at the station.

“When it’s our time to get ours audited, they (Torres Martinez) will come with their calibrator and make sure they’re all measuring really close to each other,” he said.

Station monitors particulate matter, ozone

The tribes have the latest monitoring technology at the station, which can provide up-to-the-minute readings.

Twenty-Nine Palms purchased a particulate monitor with grant money, and Cabazon contributed an ozone monitor it already had on hand, which was formerly placed in Mecca.

Particulate matter, or PM, is the mixture of tiny liquid and solid droplets in the air. The particulate matter sampler at the Indio station can measure everything between PM 2.5 to PM 10. For reference, the average human hair is approximately 30 times larger than particulate matter 2.5 micrometers in diameter. PM 2.5 is more dangerous than PM 10 because the tiny particles of dust and liquids are able to be absorbed by the lungs and enter a person’s bloodstream.

One special aspect of the Indio station is the partnership between the tribes.

“We’ve had a memorandum of understanding with Cabazon and we work with their environmental department all the time on water-quality monitoring and things like that,” Muir said. “So we already had a good working relationship with them. It’s kind of a natural fit.”

When it comes to concerns about climate change, Muir pointed out that tribes are in a unique position. Say, air quality in the area got to a point that people were moving away in droves — tribes are stuck with the land they’ve got.

“The reservations are designated for the tribes in perpetuity, so they can’t up and move away like everyone else,” she said.

According to the Twenty-Nine Palms tribe, groups that voiced support for the project during the grant application process included: Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, Torres Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla Indians, Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, National Tribal Air Association, Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center, Salton Sea Authority, South Coast AQMD, city of Coachella, Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Credit: Risa Johnson and The Desert Sun. Original article can be viewed here.

Risa Johnson covers Native American affairs in the Coachella Valley and beyond. She can be reached at risa.johnson@desertsun.com or (760) 778-4737. Follow her on Twitter @risamjohnson

Growing up on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, Marlene Woo remembers the desert life — the look, the heat and the smell from the desert plants wafting through the vast openness of the range.

Those memories returned to the Southern California Edison senior claims representative recently when she volunteered with the company’s employee resource group Native American Alliance at the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Reservation – Opens in new window.

Woo joined a team of volunteers who spent a hot summer morning clearing brush and debris along the tribe’s desert tortoise exclusion fence. The wire fence serves as a barrier to protect desert tortoises, which are a federally threatened species – Opens in new window, as listed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Opens in new window.

Vehicles on roads and highways pose a serious threat to an estimated 150,000-200,000 tortoises in the Mojave Desert, which includes the city of Twentynine Palms. The tortoise’s coloration blends in with the desert landscape, making the reptile difficult to spot.

Volunteers went to work after a desert tortoise awareness – Opens in new window training conducted by Shawn Muir, the Twenty-Nine Palms tribal environmental coordinator.

Armed with shovels, rakes, hoes and hedge trimmers, they leveled soil, cleared the ground, picked up trash and removed overgrown vegetation along the fence surrounding an approximately 120-acre desert tortoise exclusion area within the 160-acre reservation. The remaining 40 acres of the reservation has been designated by the tribe as a conservation area for the desert tortoise.

Areas of the fence in need of fixing were tagged with flagging tape for tribal staff to repair at a future date.

“We’ve volunteered in urban communities in the past, but this year, NAA deliberately came out to the tribes to build a partnership, to be visible and have a presence,” said Woo, president of SCE’s Native American Alliance.

SCE’s partnership with the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians is mutually beneficial. The tribe’s endeavors align with SCE’s strategic initiatives that include diversity and inclusion, community outreach, education, corporate philanthropy and environmental stewardship – Opens in new window.

Edison International, the parent company of SCE, presented a $5,000 grant to the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians to further partnership opportunities within the Native American and SCE communities. The money will be used to support the tribe’s historic preservation and environmental protection projects.

Edison International also helps fund scholarships for high school students in the area.

“The tribe was a recipient of multiple Edison grants which contributed toward the Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation, a scholarship program for local community high school students pursuing higher education,” said Anthony Madrigal, Jr., director of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office & Grants for the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.

“It’s had quite an impact resulting in 50 to 60 scholarships awarded annually.”

As mid-day approached, the rising desert sun signaled the end of the volunteers’ workday. A quick glance back at the area along the exclusion fence revealed a fence line that had been cleaned and inspected per the tribe’s Habitat Conservation Plan.

“It’s a large area and just shows you the desert tortoise habitat in the high desert,” said Madrigal. “This event helped us eliminate invasive vegetation so we can restore the fence to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service guidance, and clean up trash that accumulates over time on the Reservation.

“It definitely had a meaningful impact. It was a great event and the tribe is appreciative.”

Credit: Susan Cox and Edison International. Original article can be viewed here.

Coachella, Calif. (December 11, 2024) – The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians opened their third Red Falcon Tribal dispensary on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The newest location is on Route 62 – on the 29 Palms scenic highway in Yucca Valley on Sovereign Reservation land.

This is the third location the Tribe has opened and will service the community of Yucca Valley, with another Hi-Desert location already opened in Twentynine Palms. The flagship dispensary in Coachella, includes a food and beverage lounge and outside patio – the first of its kind in the United States.

Cannabis strains curated and sold by Red Falcon are carefully grown and cultivated by the Tribe on the Coachella Reservation for quality assurance and consistency ensuring a premium product. “The staff at Red Falcon strive to provide our customers with quality, lab tested, products servicing the needs of our customers. We truly appreciate the support we have received from our communities and look forward to continuing this journey together,” said Mark Malatesta, the Tribe’s consultant for Red Falcon dispensaries.

Native Americans have long known the benefits of using natural plant remedies. Red Falcon blends centuries-old traditions with modern cannabis growing techniques to reflect the essence of the Tribe’s ancient history, one that predates settlers of the upper desert region.

Through Red Falcon, the Tribe is committed to creating economic opportunities and supporting sustainable growth for the community while honoring its tribal history. Chairman Darrell Mike states, “The Tribe has a rich history in the upper desert dating back in memoriam, but we also have an eye towards the future. These communities are at the forefront of the Tribe’s vision and we will continue to support them and hope residents will learn more about our Tribe and history.” The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Missions’ reservation land spans two counties and separated by Joshua Tree National Park.

Location:
Red Falcon Dispensary-Yucca Valley
54929 29 Palms Hwy
Yucca Valley, CA 92284

Phone: 442-205-1420
Hours: 10 am – 9 pm, 7 days a week

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.

The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians continues its commitment to community support and youth empowerment by donating brand-new football jerseys and helmets with the most updated safety technology to the Yucca Valley High School Trojans and the Twentynine Palms High School Wildcats. This donation is more than just equipment; it’s an investment in the safety and success of our local student-athletes.

By providing these essential tools, we aim to foster school spirit and ensure our young athletes are well-protected as they pursue their passion for football. We are proud to stand with the Trojans and the Wildcats and wish both teams an outstanding season ahead. This initiative underscores our dedication to our youth’s well-being and future success, echoing our tribe’s values of community, strength, and unity.

Proudly sponsored by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, this year’s Shop with a Cop event in Yucca Valley was a heartwarming success. The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, in partnership with the Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefit Association and the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Department, brought a very merry Christmas to many less fortunate children with a friendly holiday experience they won’t soon forget. Volunteers from Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians’ Public Safety, deputy sheriffs, search and rescue members, and citizens on patrol went on a fun-filled shopping trip with the children to fulfill their Christmas wish lists.

Locally, the Shop with a Cop program has been operating for 25 joy-filled years. It is about so much more than gifts; it’s about fostering connections, understanding, and holiday cheer in our community. Annually, during the Christmas season, local businesses and law enforcement team up to provide a happy holiday for children who, without this event, may not experience one. Together, we watched smiles light up as local officers and Native American Children from surrounding tribes in the Coachella Valley went Christmas shopping at Walmart.

“Supporting events like this reflects our Tribe’s commitment to uplifting the community spirit and spreading joy during the holiday season. Together we aim to create moments that truly make a difference.” – Chairman Darrel Mike.

We were honored to sponsor the Shop with a Cop event this holiday season, giving local youth in our community the chance to shop with local law enforcement at Walmart. A big thank you to everyone involved in making this day unforgettable for our young shoppers!