Casino officials said they’re looking forward to horse racing season will bring, that starts Feb. 10, but they also admitted they weren’t surprised by the early crowd.

“I’m very happy with the people that are coming from different areas,” said Vince Fiala, General Manager of Grand Island Casino Resort. “I mean it’s not just Grand Island and the Tri-Cities were having people that came from Oklahoma. I’m surprised of how many people just stop here on their way through town and their here in town to visit Fonner Park or the state.”

Fiala said there’s always something going on at Fonner Park, and as for this weekend they’re looking forward to the extreme monster truck series. Most of the time later in the week is when they see a crowd.

“Starting Thursday afternoon and evenings, Friday, Saturday, and Sundays are always our busiest times,” Fiala said. “Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, every week. Sunday starts maybe 10 a.m. to noon then goes until 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. that night. Fridays, Saturdays starts 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. o’clock in the afternoon and goes until 3 a.m.”

One Nebraskan said she likes the overall environment of the casino. “I’ve been here a couple of times and this is a nice atmosphere,” said Shari Buettner. “It’s clean, they have a friendly staff, and it’s just nice overall.”

Buettner said she is looking forward to the casino being fully operational, so she can get the full experience.

“We obvious draw to a certain demographic, but I will say here we have a wide variety of people and so far everybody has been very good to deal with,” Fiala said. “We’ve really had a good experience here in Grand Island Casino Resort.”

Locals are also looking forward to having all their needs in one location.

“Hopefully the bathrooms will be located inside the facility, and have a place to hang your coat if need be and which I’m sure there will be,” Buettner. “Yea, would be nice.”

Vince Fiala said they will be bringing live table games in June; those will consist of craps, roulette, and blackjack. The casino will be hiring for those positions in February.