The Morongo Band of Mission Indians is preparing for the December 10 grand opening of its $250 million casino.

The 27-story facility features a casino, hotel and spa. Parts of it opened on Monday, with few gamblers coming out for the unpublicized debut.

The real events come next month when the tribe plans two big bashes with Destiny's Child, Carlos Santana and Jay Leno. The tribe is marketing the casino as a close alternative to Las Vegas and hopes to attract a younger, hipper set with nightclubs, restaurants and bars.

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