Barona Jumps Into the Year of the Rabbit With Good Fortune for Players

Celebration Includes $65,000 in Giveaways, Lucky Foods and Exciting Performances


SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - January 27, 2011) - Barona Resort & Casino will usher in the "Year of the Rabbit" during a two-week celebration. From February 3-17, players can win a share of more than $65,000 in cash prizes and "Hong Bao" or free cash on the casino floor, enjoy authentic Asian cuisine and experience cultural dance performances.

"Barona is excited to celebrate this wonderful annual tradition with our players," said Maylette Garces, executive director of casino marketing. "To create even more excitement on the casino floor and bring good fortune in the Year of the Rabbit, we'll be giving away free cash and offering exciting Hot Banks and drawings."

Barona's celebration begins on February 3 at 7 p.m. with the traditional lion and dragon dance, a blessing to bring good luck. To create a fun atmosphere for slot and table game players, twelve $1,000 random Hot Banks will be drawn between 6 p.m. and midnight to each split $1,000. Eight qualified Club Barona players will win thousands in cash, including an $8,000 first place prize, when Barona's VIP drawing takes place at the Hayloft stage at 9 p.m.

From February 3-17, Club Barona players will have the opportunity to earn one entry for every 500 Club Barona myPOINTS toward a casino-wide drawing on February 17 at 9 p.m. Eight participants will be selected to join the emcee on the Hayloft stage to receive a cash prize ranging from a $20,000 grand prize to a $500 consolation prize. To conclude the event, twelve $1,000 random Hot Banks will also be offered on February 17 from 6 p.m. to midnight for all carded players.

Barona's own Chef Ringo Lau, who trained at Hong Kong's elite Nine Dragons Culinary School, has created special selections for the two-week celebration in both the Ho Wan Noodle Shop and Sage Cafe restaurants. These specials will also be available on the casino floor through Gameside Dining.

"We wanted to create dishes that were authentic to the many countries that celebrate Chinese New Year," said Chef Lau, who also worked at a number of other high-profile restaurants at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, The Mirage Las Vegas and the Sheraton Hong Kong prior to joining the culinary team at Barona.

The authentic Ho Wan Noodle Shop will offer a four-course menu for $48.88, which includes Shrimp Dumplings, Chicken Corn Soup, Vietnamese Style Basil Lobster and Eight Treasures Sweet Congee.

The 24-hour Sage Café will feature special a la carte items to mark the Year of the Rabbit such as Peking Duck, Chicken Soup in Young Coconut, Braised Sliced Abalone with Oyster Sauce, Chinese Broccoli and Sausage and Sweet Bird's Nest Soup.

About Barona Resort & Casino
Barona Resort & Casino, a AAA Four Diamond rated property, blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. LEED® Gold Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, Barona is San Diego's leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662). You can also join Barona on Facebook, Twitter and the Barona Casino blog.

Contact Information:

CONTACT:
Audrey Doherty
619-236-8397