It is time to start planning your poker trips for the New Year. A great poker trip and one near and dear to my heart, is the Eureka Open, held January 4-11, 2009. The series of low-limit tournaments is held at the Eureka Casino Hotel (www.eurekamesquite.com), located an easy hour drive north of downtown Las Vegas (exit 122 on the 15).
The casino is host to an eight-table state-of-the art poker room featuring six high definition LCD televisions showing the latest sporting events live. With bonus hands, nightly tournaments (even when the semi-annual Eureka Open isn't going on) and a weekly free-roll, the Eureka poker room has become a favorite (of locals and tourists alike. During the tournament, 20 extra poker tables are imported to handle the crowds. We've had guests from as far away as Florida (thanks Jackie!) My dad, Peter, who is now 85, wouldn't miss coming from Seattle to attend this event.
The Eureka Casino Hotel has recently undergone a major facelift, and is now home to Gregory's, a world class steakhouse. Other food options including the modern Experience Buffet, the Court Yard Coffee Shop, and Joe's (Nathan's) Hot Dog Stand-where you can still eat for about a buck.
The private facility, where we hold the Eureka Open, doubles as a party room, holding up to 400 people. There's a lovely aquarium in the main casino for those needing a quiet spot to regroup after their aces get snapped! The newly renovated hotel has 214 rooms and suites and the pool area boasts private cabanas and lovely grounds. Season's Lounge offers nightly live entertainment and when you are done exploring all of this, you can return to the poker room for more action.
Director of Poker Operations Rob Reid and his sidekick Bob Davidson along with the awesome poker room staff pull out all the stops to make sure players feel welcome and enjoy the friendly environment. They provide players with an affordable room rate and even supply the pizza during tournament breaks.
Known as a golf destination, this two-exit town of Mesquite boasts six great courses within a few miles of your hotel room It also is a great place to unwind in one of the many spas after the hectic holiday season has tired you of the hustle bustle of the big city! Snowbirds love visiting Mesquite in the winter to enjoy the mild January weather. Nature lovers enjoy the natural beauty of the area. With Brian Head ski area about 90 minutes away, and majestic Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park even closer, there is plenty to see and do if you tire of the poker. Hard as it may be to believe, that actually does happen to some people.
The entire tournament schedule can be found on the ad right here in Poker Player Newspaper and on the web at cardplayercruises.com/eureka2.html. Live action will be very good during the event and all players can qualify for the $25,000 free-roll to be held on January 11. Just call the Eureka for more information on that promotion at 702.345.4732.
You also can get your special discounted room rate if you book by Christmas day. Call the Eureka Sales office for reservations at 702.345.4732. Please join me at the next Eureka Open, which will be hosted by poker legend Linda Johnson. This is a sure bet to be a lot of fun, and a no-abuse, easy going adventure. Eureka, I think we've found it!
