The University of Nevada, Reno has come to an agreement with CCR Newco, LLC, a subsidiary of Eldorado Resorts, to secure the 1,300 student beds needed after the July 5 explosion, which left Argenta and Nye Halls uninhabitable. University Residential Life and Housing will occupy the newly-renovated, non-gaming West Tower (“Sky Tower”) of Circus Circus Reno, ensuring an academic and community environment that promotes student success. 

The University has renamed the interim hall “Wolf Pack Tower.” Students living in Wolf Pack Tower will be an active part of the Residential Life and Housing programs and activities designed to aid in the student experience and the transition to being part of the University.

“We are happy to see our plan for a seamless integration of Wolf Pack Tower into the University’s housing experience realized,” Marc Johnson, University president, said. “The University community is fortunate that our longtime community partner Eldorado Resorts understands what the needs of our program are and has agreed to work with us on transitioning their property into a residence space where our students will live, study and thrive.”

“We’re also grateful to the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents for recognizing the urgency of housing so many students in such a short time, and moving quickly in unanimous support of our efforts to secure the needed housing,” he said.

The University will commit resources to provide for the safety and security of all students in Wolf Pack Tower. Students will have separate, non-gaming entrances and exits to the building, and around-the-clock security. All entrances and exits will be staffed by University employees and a key-card system will be utilized for entry into the building. Additionally, University Police Services will have a substation in the building and will provide routine patrols 24/7. Security cameras are also in place.

“We are honored to be able to partner with the University in providing a workable solution to its unexpected student housing needs,” said Anthony Carano, president and chief operating officer of Eldorado Resorts, Inc. “Eldorado Resorts will do everything within our reach to ensure that Wolf Pack students are provided a quality living experience and we look forward to wishing them a warm welcome back to school this month.”

The payment under the lease agreement with CCR Newco, LLC is approximately $21.675 million. This amount will form part of the University’s claim through its insurance. Housing rates will remain consistent with the University’s currently published rates. Student fees and tuition are not being used to pay for Wolf Pack Tower.

Dining

Since the University's main dining facility was also damaged by the July 5 explosion, dining facilities for all residence hall students with a meal plan will be available through two temporary structures, built sequentially. Starting the week of Aug. 12, the University will have a mobile kitchen and temporary tent structure in the plaza east of Great Basin Hall. This structure will feed and seat up to 400 students at a time. The Overlook Café will also continue to operate as an all-you-care-to-eat residence hall dining facility. Later in the fall, the University will open a semi-permanent dining facility over the lawn between Thompson Hall and the Jot Travis Building.