I stood outside Casino Del Sol in TUCSON. Ariz when staff announced a convention had to be prematurely shut down because of medical concerns. A Wild West Steampunk Convention was cancelled after a Tribal Authority note and a Facebook post. Said hotel individuals had reported feeling symptoms. Such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and food aversion, and then the post was deleted. The venue called a temporarily closure, similar to other casinos in the country, while local operators in Tucson. Added precautions like hospital-grade sanitizers. postponing shows, and closing buffets, and the Pascua, Yaqui, Tribe issued a statement from CEO. Kimberly, Van, Amburg listing March 18 to April 13 and naming Casino, Sun. Nearby resorts, the AVA Amphitheater, and Sewailo Golf Club, while ensuring employees would be compensated without using paid off. Keeping the priority on community guests and the state, Arizona. After norovirus was later confirmed during the weekend of March 20–23 in a Saturday news release about ongoing activity.
Reason for Closure / Health Concerns
A Facebook post from the Wild West Steampunk Con said several individuals at the hotel kept feeling symptoms — stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and food aversion. — And one group member reported a contagious virus to management. Management acted out of caution, stopped festivities, and prioritized the welfare of guests and team members. while issuing updates and keeping areas open only when safe. The Pascua, Yaqui, Tribe and Casino, Sol and Sun later described a temporary decision covering March 18 through April 13, with times like Wednesday 5 p.m. and Monday 8 a.m. noted for operations. Officials informed the public that some attendees arrived already ill. That additional reports on Saturday, March 22 pointed to norovirus and flu-like stomach issues, and that the Medical Authority coordinated an immediate response to mitigate risks in Tucson, Arizona.
Response from Casino Del Sol
Casino Del Sol management told the group that a contagious virus and growing symptoms. Made it necessary to end festivities to protect the welfare of guests and team members. The business side moved quickly: CEO, Kimberly, Van, Amburg promised employees would be compensated and not forced to use paid time, and leadership put the priority on the community around Tucson, Arizona, while notifying vendors and attendees to vacate. Staff began sanitization of the conference center. Public restrooms, and hotel rooms, had those spaces cleaned deep through a clear process as a precaution, and shared accurate information about health, safety, and how acting quickly contained the situation, limited illness, and showed a commitment to high standards.
Casino Del Sol Closed Reaction from Attendees & Public
Israel Hoyer, a vendor, described the sudden medical evacuation in the ballroom, where vendors and people who were staying at the hotel and casino had to leave. Many had only a few hours to breakdown exhibits and exit the building, and social media. Quickly filled with complaints about the short cancellation and spotty communication. That anger grew when critics pointed out the casino remained open while the event, the Wild West Steampunk Convention, halted, and some staff learned directly of norovirus only after the press reported it.
Preventative Measures & Casino Del Sol Closed
After the incident, Casino, Del, Sol and Sun plus the AVA Amphitheater and Sewailo Golf Club either closed or postponed shows and stopped buffets to lower risk. Staff added hospital-grade sanitizers, set up more sanitizer stations, and followed stronger cleaning procedures while nearby Desert Diamond Casinos kept open but increased monitoring and checked CDC recommendations. The priority for well-being meant extra care for guests and team members, marking occupied hotel rooms and restrooms for enhanced sanitization so people not affiliated with the sick group stayed less impacted.
Official Statements of Casino Del Sol
The Steampunk organizers chose shutting down comments to avoid wild speculation and public infighting, and they promised clearer information when it became available. Meanwhile Casino, Del, Sol issued a press release saying norovirus forced them to close the Wild, West, Con and explaining steps taken by management. Organizers said they first became aware of the development from materials the casino provided to the press rather than hearing everything directly from staff, and that gap created tension in the public conversation.
Timeline of Closure
The official closure started on March 18 at 5 p.m. and ran until April 13 at 8 a.m. The shutdown began quickly after health alerts and gave staff time to reschedule events and perform deep cleaning. For many vendors the halt felt abrupt at first but proved lasting enough to reduce risk and give the team a window to reset operations.
Impact on Guests Casino Del Sol
Several hotel guests experienced sudden disruptions because their association with ill attendees changed how staff handled their stays. Some guests accepted the precautionary measures and praised the care, while others lost time or missed plans they had booked. Moreover, The attendees learned quickly that safety choices can alter travel at a moment’s notice.
FAQs
Why was Casino Del Sol closed?
Casino Del Sol closed after attendees at the Wild West Steampunk Convention reported symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Later, norovirus was confirmed, which made the Tribal Medical Authority and management decide that a temporary closure was the safest choice. In another period, COVID-19 also caused a wider closure of Casino Del Sol, Casino of the Sun, the AVA Amphitheater, and Sewailo Golf Club to protect the community.
Did the entire casino remain closed during the incident?
Not completely. During the norovirus outbreak, the Steampunk convention event areas were shut, while the main casino sometimes remained open. In contrast, the COVID-19 closure was larger and affected almost all operations of Casino Del Sol and Sun.
How much notice did vendors and guests receive?
Most vendors and guests were given about two hours’ notice to evacuate the event spaces. This was done so cleaning and sanitization of affected areas could begin quickly. Many attendees felt the short notice created confusion, and some turned to social media with frustration over limited communication.
What steps did Casino Del Sol take to ensure safety?
The management ordered a full deep cleaning of the conference center, public restrooms, and hotel rooms linked to sick guests. Staff used hospital-grade sanitizers, closed buffets, and followed CDC recommendations. During the COVID-19 closure, however they also guaranteed employees would be compensated and not lose PTO, while maintaining their priority on guests, team members, and the wider community.
What can guests learn from this closure?
The events show that when Casino del sol closed, it was always about health, safety, and limiting further illness. While short notice may disrupt travel or plans, also the steps helped mitigate risks, protect the community, and uphold standards for both guests and team members.
