Cedar Crossing Casino to Open Compass Center with Scitech ‘Astronaut’ Exhibit in November
Cedar Crossing Casino opens in November 2026 with the Compass Center STEM lab featuring Scitech’s ‘Astronaut’ exhibit. The $275 million Iowa property exceeds the 3% charitable mandate by committing 8% of GGR and adds a 1,500-seat event center plus dining. The separate-entrance facility targets community integration from day one.
SCCG Take — Casinos opening in new jurisdictions can use dedicated non-gaming educational space to exceed regulatory requirements and broaden local support.
Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center will open its dedicated STEM facility with an interactive space exploration exhibit upon its debut next month in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The $275 million property developed by Peninsula Pacific Entertainment has named the lab the Compass Center. It spans 5,000 square feet with a separate entrance apart from the gaming floor. The casino will direct 8% of annual gross gaming revenue to Linn County nonprofits, above the state-mandated 3% requirement.
Aaron Gomes, president of P2E, said: “We want Cedar Crossing to be much more than a casino. The Compass Center is a big part of that.” Gomes added: “[Compass Center] gives us a chance to bring something completely different to Cedar Rapids. An exhibit like [‘Astronaut’] can spark a child’s curiosity and inspire a lifetime of learning.”
Hands-On Space Simulation
Scitech, a not-for-profit backed by the Western Australian Government, supplies the “Astronaut” exhibition. Participants simulate the physical and mental demands of space flight. Activities cover sleeping, eating, showering and using the toilet in zero gravity, plus teamwork tasks, mission control communication, capsule landing, physical training, space suit trials and g-force exposure. The program targets ages 5-12 but welcomes all visitors.
Property Amenities and Bookings
Cedar Crossing opens with 700 slot machines, 22 live dealer table games and a sportsbook. Five bars and restaurants include Clubhouse by Zach Johnson. The 1,500-seat Event Center has lined up Old Dominion on Dec. 5, The Marshall Tucker Band on March 13, 2027, Trace Adkins on April 16, 2027, plus stand-up dates with Brooks Wheelan, Steve-O, Josh Blue, Carlos Mencia and Carrot Top.
According to Casino.org News, these elements carry out the original pledge to embed the casino within the local community rather than limit it to gaming operations. The Compass Center’s design and programming provide one concrete example of that commitment in practice.
Reporting: Casino.org News
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