Viejas Casino and Outlet Center, an Indian Oasis

Plagued with 80% unemployment only a few years ago, the Viejas Indian Nation decided to take matters into their own hands. Since the opening of the successful Viejas Casino, and Viejas Shopping Outlet Center across the street, unemployment now stands at an amazing zero.

Outside, the casino and shopping complex is completely Southwest décor with a focus on Indian heritage.The highlight of the outdoor decor is a giant teepee-like structure made of large panels of mesh. The panels proved perfect for gobo projection from Martin MAC 500s, and with the right gobo projection and just the right color of blue, the atmosphere created is an eerie yet unique cross between Route 66 through Indian Country and Las Vegas. If you look hard enough you can even see a bit of X-Files as well.

Some 8 Martin MAC 600s, 8 MAC 500s and 8 RoboScan 1220 CMYRs were used to illuminate the teepee which also hosts Native American dance performances.

In the middle of the teepee is an elegant fountain illuminated with MAC 600s. The supporting poles of the teepee stop short of creating a peaked top yet emit flames instead to complete the teepee’s form. Statues and Indian hieroglyphics add to the atmosphere.

The Viejas complex has received numerous awards for its design including a San Diego Orchid Award for Best Theme, Landscaping and Signage, and the International Council of Shopping Centers International Design and Development Award among others.