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Monday, November 9, 2026 at 7:11 PM

Pioneer Crossing undergoing renovation

Pioneer Crossing undergoing renovation
Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

For several years, Pioneer Crossing Casino owners Mike Benjamin and Mike Melarkey have had a set of plans for the renovation of their Fernley casino.

Finally, they are able to put their plan in place.

Renovation of Pioneer Crossing’s Fernley property started Feb. 22 and will include an expansion of the gaming floor and Player’s Club, redesign of the restaurant and a new lounge environment with several big screen televisions.

“This all stems from fact that the property is almost 12 years old, so it’s time to freshen up the look of the property and give customers something new,” Benjamin said.

Benjamin said the plans for the renovation project were actually drawn up several years ago, but were set aside during the recession.

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter
A construction worker trims a board as part of the renovation of the old office space into additional gaming space.


Work on the project began with construction of a temporary wall on the and demolition of the existing office space, which will be made into an expansion of the gaming floor.

The old stage is being replaced by a large series of video walls, which will feature ten 65-inch flat screens for sports and events, creating a lounge environment. The Players Club area will be tripled in size to allow guests easier access, and the additional room for gaming will add 48 machines to the gaming floor.

The restaurant will be remodeled with new tables and chairs, a lower ceiling, chandelier lighting and the addition of several new TVs.

The name of the restaurant is also being changed from the Chuckwagon Café to the Branding Iron Café and Steakhouse, to mirror the Dayton location. The menu will remain the same, with the addition of a couple of signature steaks, Benjamin said.

“And we’re not increasing any of the pricing,” he said.

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter
An electrical worker secures wiring in the area that's being converted from offices to gaming space.


Benjamin said the Pioneer Crossing’s Fernley, Dayton and Yerington properties feed roughly 1,600 people a day, combined.

In addition, the carpeting will be replaced.

In all, Benjamin said the changes are to make things more comfortable for their customers, whether they want to gamble, eat or just sit and visit with friends.

“We want to give customers more variety,” he said.

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Comment author: Donald DeVold Comment text: Great article It’s actually spelled DeVold Thank you Comment publication date: 10/29/26, 4:58 PM Comment source: The great robbery: Strip-6 by Solis helps Vaqueros punch playoff ticket Comment author: CH Comment text: I want to start a betting 'pool' for the October, November, and December closures: 1. A dent in the pool slide. 2. A failed breaker. 3. A pebble loose in the water part (replacing all concrete) 4. Hurricane Polo makes a sudden turn and blows off the roof (again). With soft muscles after 7 months of no swimming, the only health left is my sense of humor :) Comment publication date: 10/1/26, 11:18 AM Comment source: Fernley Pool Renovation Moves Forward, One Test at a Time Comment author: PFB Comment text: Why can't you guys find competent contractors.. For a large municipal facility like the indoor-outdoor Fernley Swimming Pool located at 300 Cottonwood Lane, a complete ground-up commercial build or major structural renovation typically spans 6 to 12 months or longer when factoring in large-scale engineering, public municipal permitting, specialized commercial HVAC/roofing, and health department inspections. The current renovation has been- The Fernley Swimming Pool has been closed for approximately six to seven months since late February 2026 for a major roof replacement and facility renovation. Now you sat October. Soooo 8 months for a new roof. The picture shows no other renovations. Comment publication date: 9/17/26, 7:14 PM Comment source: Electrical problem delays Fernley pool opening Comment author: P Comment text: Relative of the Mayor is to over see this site. Anyone who knows Fernley KNOWS this is more of the who you are related to and know business in this town. VOTE THEM ALL OUT AND THE CALIFORNIA TRANSPLANTS. Comment publication date: 9/16/26, 10:31 PM Comment source: Lift Station Failure Released Untreated Sewage Comment author: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry