The year-long construction at Wildhorse Resort & Casino that adds a bowling center, food court and arcade is nearly done and will open to the public by month’s end.
A big part of the new Family FunPlex is Quaking Aspens Lanes, a 24-lane, state-of-the-art bowling center. Owned by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the bowling center’s name is inspired by Tribal history. “Nixyáawii” was what the Cayuse named the area where the Tribe’s winter encampment was located. Translated, the word refers to the groves of quaking aspen trees that grew around the springs. Equivalent to a large town, the encampment was the base for celebrations, games, root digging and horse racing.
The bowling center is divided by a concourse with 16 lanes on one side and 8 boutique lanes on the other. The larger area is targeted for open and league play while the boutique lanes can be reserved for private parties and events.
Adjacent to the boutique lanes are two party rooms available to rent for family and business events or simply a friends’ night out. The two rooms can be can be opened up to a single, larger space for bigger groups, when needed. Event planners can opt for party packages or full catering service, depending on their preferences.
Bowlers can choose from an all-inclusive food court menu and place their order with a lane server who will deliver their snacks, meals and beverages. Menus can be viewed online or at the lane terminals.
A full bar located in the bowling center provides beverages and seating. Meals and snacks can be ordered at the bar or carried from the food court allowing guests to dine while watching the competition in the lanes.
The food court at Wildhorse will feature two independent vendors and two Wildhorse operations. Three restaurants will offer full menus and one will specialize in ice cream and sweet treats. A 3,000-square-foot dining room will seat up to 110 people.
The new vendors are Moe Phở and Brigham Fish ‘n Chips. Owners of both restaurants have roots in Pendleton. Moe Phở is owned by Whitney Minthorn and Moe Soeum. Their focus is on popular cuisine from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Also opening a second location is Brigham Fish Market. The Brigham family is known for harvesting and selling fresh, wild-caught fish along the Columbia River. In 2014, Kim Brigham-Campbell opened a full service restaurant in Cascade Locks selling both fresh fish and prepared meals including fish and chips, po’boy sandwiches and chowders. The Wildhorse shop will be called Brigham Fish ‘n Chips and features a selection of favorites from the Market’s menu.
The Wildhorse-run restaurant serves family favorites like pizza, burgers, salads and appetizers.
Between the food court and bowling center, visitors will find the new Wildhorse arcade which is significantly larger than the old arcade with almost 2,500 square feet of play space.
The Family FunPlex is expected to open to the public before the end of September. Updates and information can be found online or call 800-654-9453.
