Visit Beloit hopes the new Ho-Chunk Casino and Hotel project will spur the tourism industry in the area.

Visit Beloit CEO Celestino Ruffini says visitors to the facility will also seek out other activities, amenities, and events to enjoy in not just Beloit, but the stateline community.

Ruffini says from a convention standpoint, they currently can’t compete with other facilities in the area, but with the addition of the convention center facility they’ll be a major player not just locally or statewide, but in the entire Midwest.

The $400 million projected is anticipated to break ground in the fall, and take roughly two years to complete.