Reno's J Resort unveils $130 million expansion with new festival grounds and more

Jacobs Entertainment has announced a significant $130 million development plan for J Resort, including a new outdoor entertainment agreement with JMF Presents. The partnership will see JMF Presents manage J Resort's outdoor entertainment activities for the next five years, starting in 2025.

Jonathan Boulware, regional vice president of Jacobs Entertainment, said, "We are excited to partner with Chris Sewell and JMF Presents as we continue to revitalize downtown Reno with our growing outdoor entertainment options."

The development includes the creation of J Resort's Festival Grounds, a dedicated outdoor festival space spanning over 10 acres between North Arlington Street and Ralston Street. This venue will accommodate up to 15,000 patrons and is set to become downtown Reno's first and only dedicated outdoor festival space.

Chris Sewell, president of JMF Presents, said, "With the creation of J Resort's Festival Grounds combined with the opportunity to place acts in J Resort's Glow Plaza, we anticipate growing our J Resort summer concert and festival schedule to over 40 events every summer, attracting 150,000 to 200,000 local and visiting music fans to downtown Reno."

Jacobs Entertainment is investing approximately $5 million into site improvements ahead of the 2025 grand opening of the Festival Grounds. An additional $125 million is being allocated for construction and predevelopment work at J Resort.

Boulware added, "We are excited to finalize plans for the J Resort north expansion. The improvements will include our new front entrance off West 4th Street, as well as a 20-foot-tall sculpture, which was recently commissioned in Italy from internationally acclaimed sculptor Richard Erdman."

The north expansion, set to begin construction in January 2025, will feature accessible parking, additional gaming, and a new food and beverage creation. Additionally, J Resort is constructing Rolling Art, a 400-seat banquet hall with a pre-function area showcasing over $50 million of European sports cars from the Jacobs’ Collection, including all five of Ferrari's "supercars."

Further plans include a west expansion with an 800-seat banquet and meeting space, spa, and indoor/outdoor rooftop pool. Predevelopment work is underway, with leasing for the new residential community at 245 North Arlington starting January 1, 2025. Move-in is scheduled for March 1, 2025.

Boulware concluded, "We have a lot going on in downtown Reno, both at J Resort, as well as the opening of 245 North Arlington Apartments, scheduled for March. Speaking on behalf of our 700-plus associates on West 4th Street, we are truly excited for what’s next. There is much more fun to come."