Rising Star Sports Ranch

Construction of the Mesquite Star hotel-casino began in 1996, and the property was initially scheduled to open in January 1997.{{cite news |last=Krane |first=Elliot S. |title=Travel Publications Honor Las Vegas, Wayne Newton |url=https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/site_services/news_archives/ |website=The Press of Atlantic City |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |date=July 28, 1996 |url-access=subscription }} NevStar Gaming & Entertainment Corporation, the project owner, intended to launch an initial public offering (IPO) during 1996, but the company cancelled such plans because of low investor demand. Construction was subsequently stalled for several months while the developers tried to obtain financing.{{cite news |last=Steinhauer |first=Adam |title=Mesquite's Four of a Kind |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Feb-17-Mon-1997/business/4869890.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 17, 1997 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19970719141702/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Feb-17-Mon-1997/business/4869890.html |archivedate=July 19, 1997}}

By the end of 1996, Hawaii businessman Richard Kelley had provided approximately $5 million in bridge financing to help the project while NevStar prepared for an IPO, expected for the first quarter of 1997. Kelley was the chairman of Outrigger Enterprises, which owned Outrigger Hotels & Resorts.{{cite news |last=Cho |first=Frank |title=Outrigger chairman invests in casino (page 1 of 2) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/266690643/ |work=The Honolulu Advertiser |date=November 22, 1996 |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}{{cite news |last=Cho |first=Frank |title=Outrigger chairman invests in casino (page 2 of 2) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/266689521/ |work=The Honolulu Advertiser |date=November 22, 1996 |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}} Nevada real estate developer Richard Tam, a business partner of Kelley, was also an investor in the Mesquite Star. Tam had introduced Kelley to the project, and they subsequently became partners in it, as well as the largest shareholders in NevStar Gaming.{{cite news |last=Cho |first=Frank |title=Gaming company goes public next week |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/266679245/ |work=The Honolulu Advertiser |date=September 5, 1997 |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}{{cite news |last=Morse |first=Harold |title=Developer Richard Tam dies at 83 |url=http://starbulletin.com/1999/08/05/news/obits.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010608130924/http://starbulletin.com/1999/08/05/news/obits.html |url-status=dead |work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |date=August 5, 1999 |archivedate=June 8, 2001}} NevStar later intended to launch its IPO in September 1997, to raise money for the project. Construction on the project picked up heavily in October 1997.{{cite news |title=Mesquite Star to open July 1 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/285418047/ |work=The Spectrum |date=June 24, 1998 |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}} By February 1998, NevStar had received a $5 million construction loan from the First Credit Bank of Los Angeles.{{cite news |title=NevStar gets loan for Star Hotel and Casino |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/285670121/ |work=The Spectrum |date=February 22, 1998 |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}

By April 1998, NevStar reached an agreement for the hotel portion of the Mesquite Star to be operated under the Best Western brand in affiliation with the hotel chain.{{cite news |title=Star Billing |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/462690876/ |work=San Francisco Examiner |date=April 26, 1998 |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}} That month, the Nevada Gaming Control Board deferred approval of the project, citing NevStar's limited financial reserves. The control board was concerned about the possibility of the hotel-casino entering bankruptcy shortly after its opening, an event that had been scheduled for Memorial Day weekend.{{cite news |last1=Thompson |first1=Gary |last2=Wilen |first2=John |title=Gaming Board orders Nevstar to beef up capitalization of Mesquite casino |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/apr/02/gaming-board-orders-nevstar-to-beef-up-capitalizat/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=April 2, 1998}} In June 1998, the control board recommended that NevStar be approved for a gaming license to operate the Mesquite Star, after the company demonstrated that it had a cash reserve of at least $2 million, including a $1 million line of credit from Kelley and Tam.{{cite news |title=Mesquite casino ready to open |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/jun/12/mesquite-casino-ready-to-open/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 12, 1998}} The Nevada Gaming Commission gave final approval later that month.

The Mesquite Star opened on July 1, 1998,{{cite news |last=Kuta |first=Elspeth |title=This week in history June 30th- July 6. |url=https://mesquitelocalnews.com/2016/06/30/this-week-in-history-june-30th-july-6/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Mesquite Local News |date=June 30, 2016}}{{cite news |title=Nevada hotel-casino with isle ties opens |url=http://starbulletin.com/98/07/02/business/bizbriefs.html |work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |date=July 2, 1998 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030606232023/http://starbulletin.com/98/07/02/business/bizbriefs.html |archivedate=June 6, 2003}} becoming the fifth hotel-casino to open in Mesquite. The resort had an Old West theme. The facility included a {{convert|12000|sqft|abbr=on}} casino with table games and 452 slot machines, and 210 hotel rooms affiliated with Best Western. It also had three restaurants and a cocktail lounge. The resort opened with 300 employees. The Mesquite Star was intended to capitalize on local residents and middle-income customers travelling along Interstate 15,{{cite news |last=Lynch |first=Russ |title=Locally backed casino to go public |url=http://starbulletin.com/97/09/04/business/story2.html |work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |date=September 4, 1997 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020113140657/http://starbulletin.com/97/09/04/business/story2.html |archivedate=January 13, 2002}} which ran alongside the resort. In February 1999, the Mesquite Star hosted a bluegrass music festival and horseshoes tournament, and the resort constructed horseshoe courts for the event.{{cite news |title=Bluegrass Bash picking on the Mesquite Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/285561604/ |work=The Spectrum |date=February 19, 1999 |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}

NevStar struggled financially after opening the Mesquite Star. The project cost an approximate total of $23 million, including land acquisition, permits, and construction costs. A.F. Construction built the facility. In early 1999, A.F. Construction sued NevStar for $853,500 in unpaid construction costs. NevStar was in the process of obtaining a loan to pay off the debt.{{cite news |last=Wilen |first=John |title=NevStar seeks funds to pay builder |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/feb/23/nevstar-seeks-funds-to-pay-builder/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=February 23, 1999}} Around the same time, NevStar was planning to eventually develop a shopping and entertainment complex adjacent to the Mesquite Star.{{cite news |title=Local business notes |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/284773367/ |work=The Spectrum |date=April 22, 1999 |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}} Tam died in August 1999.

In November 1999, between 25 and 30 keno employees were laid off in an effort to streamline operations. NevStar had more than 200 creditors, and the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December 1999. At the time, the filing was not expected to have an effect on operations at the Mesquite Star.{{cite news |last=Strow |first=David |title=Casino developer files bankruptcy |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/dec/02/casino-developer-files-bankruptcy/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=December 2, 1999}}{{cite news |last=St. Germain |first=Patrice |title=Falling Star? Mesquite casino files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy (page 1 of 2) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/285296230/ |work=The Spectrum |date=December 4, 1999 |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}{{cite news |last=St. Germain |first=Patrice |title=Falling Star? Mesquite casino files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy (page 2 of 2) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/285296539/ |work=The Spectrum |date=December 4, 1999 |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}} NevStar offered a reorganization plan to a court, but it was rejected. On March 3, 2000, Randy Black Sr. was chosen by a court to operate the Mesquite Star on behalf of its creditors during the foreclosure process. Black applied for a temporary gaming license and was also considering a purchase of the hotel-casino. At the time, he also owned two other hotel-casino properties in Mesquite: the CasaBlanca and the Virgin River.{{cite news |title=Receiver named for property |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/mar/06/receiver-named-for-property/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 6, 2000}}{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Black set to gain control of failing Mesquite casino |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Mar-06-Mon-2000/business/13103637.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 6, 2000 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010429201057/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Mar-06-Mon-2000/business/13103637.html |archivedate=April 29, 2001}}

The casino portion closed on March 6, 2000, followed by the rest of the property on March 10.{{cite news |last=Strow |first=David |title=Mesquite hotel-casino closes, will be liquidated |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/mar/10/mesquite-hotel-casino-closes-will-be-liquidated/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 10, 2000}} The Mesquite Star had employed approximately 270 people at the time. Black was to serve as receiver for the property's second mortgage holders, Richard Kelley and the Richard Tam Estate; the latter two were subsequently surprised to learn about the resources that would be needed to operate the hotel-casino. Black said that nearly every item in the Mesquite Star was leased, "from slot machines and table games in the casino to beds, chairs and linen in the hotel." Black said that when NevStar filed for bankruptcy, there were trucks outside the Mesquite Star waiting to collect the leased property. The Mesquite Star owed an estimated $150,000 in gaming taxes, and a substantial amount of debt was also owed to the companies leasing various items to the property. Kelley and the Tam Estate were unable to provide the necessary financing to pay the debt and continue operations at the Mesquite Star. As a result, Black withdrew his request for a gaming license several days after he was appointed.{{cite news |last=Simpson |first=Jeff |title=Mesquite Star offer withdrawn |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Mar-11-Sat-2000/business/13146437.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 11, 2000 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20011125075044/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Mar-11-Sat-2000/business/13146437.html |archivedate=November 25, 2001}}

The contents of the Mesquite Star were subsequently liquidated. As the liquidation process went forward, a Las Vegas casino supplier, Casino Data Systems, filed a lawsuit against NevStar. Casino Data Systems had previously provided video slot machines, signs, and other items to the Mesquite Star, but NevStar did not agree to release the items back to the casino supplier following the bankruptcy. The lawsuit sought to prevent NevStar from selling or removing the items.{{cite news |last=Leong |first=Grace |title=Casino Data sues to protect equipment sold to Nevstar |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/apr/07/casino-data-sues-to-protect-equipment-sold-to-nevs/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=April 7, 2000}}

Virgin River Casino Corporation, a company owned by Black, purchased NevStar's $5.4 million debt with its primary creditor, First Credit. The purchase took place in April 2000. Simultaneously, A.F. Construction had won court approval to proceed with a sheriff's sale of the Mesquite Star, in order to collect the debt that it was owed. The sale had been scheduled for May 2000, but Virgin River found out about it and objected, as did four other creditors.

In May 2000, Illinois-based AmeriResource Technologies announced that it would purchase the Mesquite Star. The acquisition would include vacant land that would be developed as a second phase, consisting of a 210-room hotel tower and a 300-pad RV park, both expected to be finished by the fourth quarter of 2000. AmeriResource was primarily involved in the construction industry, although it had intentions to branch out into other industries involving assisted care, apartments, mobile homes, and adult residences.{{cite news |title=Illinois company says it acquired Mesquite Star |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/may/09/illinois-company-says-it-acquired-mesquite-star/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=May 9, 2000}}{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Hubble |title=Illinois company to buy troubled Mesquite hotel |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/May-10-Wed-2000/business/13545573.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 10, 2000 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010505181114/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/May-10-Wed-2000/business/13545573.html |archivedate=May 5, 2001}} A.F. Construction agreed to postpone its sale of the Mesquite Star after AmeriResource became interested in purchasing the property and paying off the creditors. At the end of May 2000, a $500,000 lawsuit was filed against NevStar by two former employees of the Mesquite Star. The suit was filed on behalf of 68 former employees, and it alleged that NevStar failed to cover health care costs for the workers.{{cite news |title=Bankrupt Mesquite casino operator sued by former employees |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/may/26/bankrupt-mesquite-casino-operator-sued-by-former-e/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=May 26, 2000}}

Sale negotiations with AmeriResource broke down in June 2000, and the creditors resumed separate, competing efforts to auction the Mesquite Star.{{cite news |last=Strow |first=David |title=Sale of Mesquite Star falls through, NevStar in bankruptcy again |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/aug/02/sale-of-mesquite-star-falls-through-nevstar-in-ban/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=August 2, 2000}} A foreclosure sale of the Mesquite Star had been scheduled for July 2000, but it was postponed hours prior, due to a motion filed on behalf of approximately 100 former employees. According to the motion, the workers' health coverage had been regularly deducted from their paychecks, but the money was diverted to an unknown location, leaving workers without health coverage. The motion sought to ensure that the workers would be compensated for their deducted wages.{{cite news |last=Hogan |first=Jan |title=Mesquite Star foreclosure sale put off |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-12-Wed-2000/business/13949549.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 12, 2000 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010910172437/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-12-Wed-2000/business/13949549.html |archivedate=September 10, 2001}} At the same time, the three primary creditors – Virgin River Casino Corporation, A.F. Construction, and Kelley – were involved in a court battle to determine which of them would be prioritized for debt payment, following the eventual sale of the Mesquite Star.{{cite news |last=Hogan |first=Jan |title=Mesquite Star claims combined |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-15-Sat-2000/business/13972660.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 15, 2000 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010910161909/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-15-Sat-2000/business/13972660.html |archivedate=September 10, 2001}} NevStar filed for bankruptcy again in July 2000, putting a temporary halt to all planned auctions of the property. At the time, AmeriResource stated that it still intended to buy the Mesquite Star and was working with NevStar to secure financing for the purchase.

In September 2000, NevStar sued Black and Virgin River Casino Corporation, alleging that they conspired to get the Mesquite Star shut down and devalued, allowing Black to purchase the resort's debt at a discount. According to the suit, Black transferred Mesquite Star employees and patrons to his own hotel-casino properties in Mesquite following the closure in March 2000. The suit also stated that Black purchased NevStar's debt with First Credit at a discount price following negotiations, which Black had begun prior to his withdrawal as receiver. After purchasing the debt, Black then proceeded with a planned foreclosure sale. According to NevStar, the planned auction ultimately forced the company back into bankruptcy in July 2000.{{cite news |title=Receiver sued |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/sep/25/receiver-sued/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 25, 2000}}{{cite news |last=Simpson |first=Jeff |title=Mesquite Star Hotel & Casino: NevStar's lawsuit alleges conspiracy |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Sep-26-Tue-2000/business/14471889.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 26, 2000 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010628081602/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Sep-26-Tue-2000/business/14471889.html |archivedate=June 28, 2001}}

Virgin River Casino Corporation purchased the Mesquite Star in November 2000, and owned it for the next 12 years.{{cite news |title=Ownership history |url=http://sandgate.co.clark.nv.us/assrrealprop/ParcelHistory.aspx?instance=pcl2&parcel=00116501012 |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Clark County Assessor's Office}} Black said in January 2001 that he did not have a clear timetable for reopening the Mesquite Star because of ongoing financial problems associated with it, including foreclosure issues, and liens that had been placed on nearly every item inside the facility.{{cite news |last=St. Germain |first=Patrice |title=Mesquite Star purchased; casino may shine again (page 1 of 2)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/286205515/ |work=The Spectrum |date=January 7, 2001 |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}{{cite news |last=St. Germain |first=Patrice |title=Mesquite Star purchased; casino may shine again (page 2 of 2)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/286205199/ |work=The Spectrum |date=January 7, 2001 |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}

By 2004, the facility had been operating without a casino as the Virgin River Convention Center.{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Chris |title=Bargain Getaway: Destination Mesquite |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jan-11-Sun-2004/business/22894949.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 11, 2004 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050124171107/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jan-11-Sun-2004/business/22894949.html |archivedate=January 24, 2005}} The facility was also sometimes used for overflow hotel guests from Black's other properties in Mesquite.{{cite news |title=Board to allow entry to bond market |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2005/may/05/board-to-allow-entry-to-bond-market/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=May 5, 2005}} As of 2010, Black had intentions to reopen the Mesquite Star.{{cite web|url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/may/19/black-gaming-demolishing-oasis-casino-mesquite/|title=Black Gaming demolishing Oasis casino in Mesquite|last=Green|first=Steve|date=May 19, 2010|work=Las Vegas Sun|accessdate=March 28, 2020 |url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830064732/http://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/may/19/black-gaming-demolishing-oasis-casino-mesquite/|archivedate=August 30, 2016}} The Mesquite Star was mostly well maintained throughout the years, with the exception of some water leakage in the central roof.

In December 2012, Virgin River Casino Corporation planned to sell the closed facility and property to Pilot Flying J, which intended to open a travel center on the land. Virgin River requested a zoning change that would allow for the travel center to operate on the site. At a city council public hearing, a majority of the residents in attendance expressed opposition to the proposed site for the travel center, voicing concerns that it would increase traffic in an area that was already busy. Former Mesquite mayor Susan Holecheck was also concerned about pollution being emitted from the new travel center. The zoning change would also be a deviation from the community's master plan.{{cite news |last=Harper |first=Kent |title=Public outcry stalls travel center plan |url=http://mesquitelocalnews.com:80/sections/news/local-news/public-outcry-stalls-travel-center-plan.html |work=Mesquite Local News |date=December 12, 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214115347/http://mesquitelocalnews.com:80/sections/news/local-news/public-outcry-stalls-travel-center-plan.html |archivedate=December 14, 2012}}{{cite news |last=Harper |first=Kent |title=Pilot-Flying J project canceled |url=http://mesquitelocalnews.com:80/sections/news/local-news/pilot-flying-j-project-canceled.html |work=Mesquite Local News |date=January 9, 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211005702/http://mesquitelocalnews.com:80/sections/news/local-news/pilot-flying-j-project-canceled.html |archivedate=February 11, 2013}} Intentions to open a travel center at the proposed location were cancelled in January 2013, when Pilot Flying J decided not to purchase the property.

In April 2013, the facility was sold to the Lee family, who also owned the Eureka hotel-casino in Mesquite.{{cite news |title=Mesquite Star sold to Eureka |url=http://mesquitelocalnews.com:80/sections/business/business-news/mesquite-star-sold-eureka.html |work=Mesquite Local News |date=April 16, 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518023128/http://mesquitelocalnews.com:80/sections/business/business-news/mesquite-star-sold-eureka.html |archivedate=May 18, 2013}} Deed restrictions meant that the Lee family could not implement large scale gaming at the resort, although Greg Lee did not consider this an issue, as he believed that gambling was not as popular as it used to be. Lee and his executive team thought about turning the facility into an assisted living home, but he said "that didn't excite me for the community's synergy and it wasn't a business I thought I would like." The Lee family eventually decided to renovate and reopen the property as a non-gaming hotel.

Mesquite had become known in recent years for its variety of new sports facilities,{{cite news |last=Reina |first=Hollie |title=New Mesquite resort aims to be Southwest hub for sports travel, family destination |url=https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2016/04/07/hsr-new-mesquite-resort-aims-to-be-southwest-hub-for-sports-travel-family-destination/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=St. George News |date=April 7, 2016}}{{cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Matt |title=Catch a Rising Star |url=https://knpr.org/desert-companion/2017-02/catch-rising-star |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Nevada Public Radio |date=February 23, 2017}} and Lee had friends who would call about hotel rooms in the area for when their children would play in local sports tournaments. Once Lee realized how many ball and soccer fields there were in Mesquite, he began to consider the idea of turning the Mesquite Star into a sports-themed hotel resort. The location was considered ideal for the resort because of its proximity to Interstate 15, as well as Las Vegas and St. George, Utah.{{cite news |last=Thomas |first=Lucas M. |title=A future Star rises in Mesquite |url=https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/local/mesquite/2016/03/04/future-star-rises-mesquite/81325642/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=The Spectrum |date=March 12, 2016}} Lee said, "We want to make Mesquite a place teams want to drive an extra hour to play in."{{cite news |last=Ellestad |first=Barbara |title=Lee explains birth of Rising Star Sports Ranch |url=https://mesquitelocalnews.com/2016/08/17/lee-explains-birth-of-rising-star-sports-ranch/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Mesquite Local News |date=August 17, 2016}} A team of sports-related advisors – including coaches, trainers and camp directors – was created to inform the owners what they would want in a sports-themed resort. The new property would serve as the center of nearby sporting facilities, including ball fields, golf courses, and the Mesquite Rec Center. Andre Carrier, the chief operating officer of the new resort, said the intention was to create a property that would benefit from the abundance of sports facilities in the area.

Construction and remodeling began on August 3, 2015.{{cite news |last=Ellestad |first=Barbara |title=Construction begins on old Mesquite Star |url=https://mesquitelocalnews.com/2015/08/05/construction-begins-on-old-mesquite-star/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Mesquite Local News |date=August 5, 2015}} In November 2015, it was announced that the property would be renamed Rising Star Sports Ranch Resort. Renovations proceeded at a rapid pace,{{cite news |last=Ellestad |first=Barbara |title=Old Mesquite Star gives way to Rising Star |url=https://mesquitelocalnews.com/2015/11/12/old-mesquite-star-gives-way-to-rising-star/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Mesquite Local News |date=November 12, 2015}} ultimately putting the project ahead of schedule. The project was 90 percent complete as of August 2016, with only finishing touches remaining. The opening had been scheduled for December 2016, but it was moved closer because of the rapid renovation work.{{cite news |last=Havens |first=Emily |title=Rising Star ahead of schedule, to offer high-tech gadgets |url=https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/local/mesquite/2016/08/11/rising-star-ahead-of-schedule/88584618/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=The Spectrum |date=August 11, 2016}}

The Rising Star opened on October 1, 2016,{{cite news |title=Rising Star Sports Ranch Resort opens in Mesquite |url=https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2016/09/29/rising-star-sports-ranch-resort-opens-in-mesquite/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=St. George News |date=September 29, 2016}}{{cite news |last=Ellestad |first=Barbara |title=Rising Star opens this weekend |url=https://mesquitelocalnews.com/2016/09/30/rising-star-opens-this-weekend/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Mesquite Local News |date=September 30, 2016}} and an official grand opening was held on November 16.{{cite news |last=Ellestad |first=Barbara |title=Lee Family honored at Rising Star Grand opening |url=https://mesquitelocalnews.com/2016/11/24/lee-family-honored-at-rising-star-grand-opening/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Mesquite Local News |date=November 24, 2016}} Sports memorabilia is located throughout the resort. Lee described the Rising Star as a sports facility for training and competition, and a vacation resort for people travelling with athletes. Child athletes are a target demographic. The hotel has four floors,{{cite news |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |title=Rising star in Mesquite offers total immersion in sports camp |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/rising-star-in-mesquite-offers-total-immersion-in-sports-camp/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 14, 2017}} with a total of 210 rooms. Some are adjoined rooms with bunk beds, allowing large sports teams, as well as parents or chaperones, to stay together.{{cite news |last=Thomas |first=Lucas M. |title=Rising high: New sports resort boosts Mesquite |url=https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/local/mesquite/2016/11/17/rising-high-new-sports-resort-boosts-mesquite/94036412/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=The Spectrum |date=November 17, 2016}}

A lighted grass field is located on-site, and it provides playing space for games such as football, lacrosse, and soccer. The property also includes a four-acre area outside the first-floor hotel rooms known as the Backyard. It features a swimming pool and picnic areas with barbecues, as well as various sporting areas, including courts for basketball, pickleball, and volleyball. The Backyard also includes a putting green, horseshoe pits, and chessboards.

The resort also includes the Victory Kitchen restaurant, which can seat up to 400 people, and includes pizza and chicken wings among its menu items. An arcade is also located inside the resort, featuring more than 50 games and a two-lane bowling alley. The resort also features a {{convert|7000|sqft|abbr=on}} ballroom, capable of holding 400 guests.{{cite news |url=http://suindependent.com/rising-star-sports-ranch-mesquite/ |title=Rising Star Sports Ranch opens in Mesquite |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=The Independent |location=St. George, Utah |date=December 3, 2016}} The Rising Star has several technologically advanced features, including room-service robots that have a pre-programmed map of the hotel and can deliver items to guests.{{cite news |title=From room service by robots to a loaner Porsche, hotels are upping the amenity ante |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/from-room-service-by-robots-to-a-loaner-porsche-hotels-are-upping-the-amenity-ante/2017/02/21/8008fcfa-f565-11e6-b9c9-e83fce42fb61_story.html |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=The Washington Post |date=February 21, 2017}} Robots are stationed on each floor of the hotel. RFID wristbands are used for access to hotel rooms, the pool, and arcade games, and they can also be used to pay for restaurant meals.{{cite news |last=Ellestad |first=Barbara |title=Rising Star more than just a renovation |url=https://mesquitelocalnews.com/2016/07/21/rising-star-more-than-just-a-renovation/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Mesquite Local News |date=July 21, 2016}}

The resort was built with the intention that a majority of customers would be families from Las Vegas. Although the resort was successful in its early months, many of its customers were from neighboring states rather than Las Vegas. As a hotel without a casino, the Rising Star became popular as a suitable, non-gaming alternative for underage guests who were participating in local youth-sporting events. The Rising Star has hosted numerous sports events,{{cite news |title=SUU, UNLV to play in Mesquite |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mesquite/2017/07/21/suu-unlv-play-mesquite/498399001/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Desert Valley Times |date=July 21, 2017}}{{cite news |url=http://mesquitelocalnews.com/2017/08/battle-barn-college-volleyball-exhibition-rising-star-sports-ranch-resort/ |title=Battle in the Barn – College Volleyball Exhibition at Rising Star Sports Ranch Resort |work=Mesquite Local News |date=August 19, 2017 |accessdate=March 28, 2020}} including some with groups such as Nike and the Utah Youth Soccer Association. The resort has also hosted sports teams from Arizona, California, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. Planet Athlete, a basketball program, relocated from Phoenix, Arizona to the Rising Star. Through the program, students live at the resort and study at the Mesquite campus of the College of Southern Nevada.

A baseball training facility opened in early November 2016, and includes 70-foot batting cages. A {{convert|30000|sqft|abbr=on}} indoor sports facility, known as The Barn, was under construction at the time of the resort's opening. The facility, designed to resemble a red barn, was opened in May 2017, marking the completion of the Rising Star resort. The interior of The Barn has a wood floor for games such as basketball, and the facility can be reconfigured to form multiple courts for games such as pickleball and volleyball. AstroTurf is used to cover the floor for sport games that require it. The Barn is air-conditioned, allowing athletes to play or practice inside during the hot summer season.{{cite news |last=Ellestad |first=Barbara |title=Rising Star fieldhouse ready for action |url=https://mesquitelocalnews.com/2017/05/08/rising-star-fieldhouse-ready-action/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Mesquite Local News |date=May 8, 2017}} The facility can seat up to 3,000 spectators, and is considered a major aspect of the resort. The Nevada Desert Dogs played basketball games at The Barn during 2018,{{cite news |title=Mesquite lands pro basketball team |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2017/10/28/mesquite-lands-pro-basketball-team/809982001/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=The Spectrum |date=October 28, 2017}}{{cite news |last=Kiggins |first=Steve |title=Desert Dogs win Mesquite's name game |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mesquite/2017/11/13/desert-dogs-win-mesquites-name-game/860120001/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=The Spectrum |date=November 16, 2017}} and the UNLV Runnin' Rebels also stayed and practiced at the resort.{{cite news |last=Akers |first=Mick |title=With new sports facility, Mesquite gets in on the action |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2018/jan/22/with-new-sports-facility-mesquite-gets-in-on-the-a/ |accessdate=March 28, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=January 22, 2018}}

The property was listed for sale in November 2023.{{Cite web |date=November 6, 2023 |title=333 N Sandhill Blvd |url=https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/333-N-Sandhill-Blvd-Mesquite-NV/29981161/ |access-date=January 15, 2025 |website=LoopNet}} As of January 2025, Rising Star is permanently closed.

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.risingstarsportsranch.com/ Official website]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20000309221010/http://www.mesquitestar.com/ Mesquite Star official website] via the Wayback Machine

{{Reno Casinos}}

Category:Casinos completed in 1998

Category:Defunct casinos in Nevada

Category:Hotels established in 1998

Category:Hotel buildings completed in 1998

Category:Hotels established in 2016

Category:Buildings and structures in Mesquite, Nevada

Category:1998 establishments in Nevada

Category:2016 establishments in Nevada

Category:Sports venues completed in 2017

Category:Basketball venues in Nevada

Category:Volleyball venues in the United States

Category:Defunct casino hotels in Mesquite, Nevada