A sports bar honoring late San Diego Padres icon Tony Gwynn is slated to open later this year at the site of a brand-new casino in San Diego’s East County.

When Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego opens in mid-2016 on State Route 94, about 20 miles east of downtown San Diego, it will boast several new restaurants and lounges, including Tony Gwynn’s Sports Pub, a bar dedicated to the life and legacy of “Mr. Padre.”

The pub – a project by Jamul Indian Village and Gwynn’s wife, Alicia Gwynn – will showcase a large collection of Gwynn memorabilia, including Golden Glove and Silver Slugger awards, uniforms used at games and personal mementos from the popular Padres player.

This is the first Tony Gwynn-themed eatery or pub to open in San Diego County. Gwynn died on June 16, 2014, after losing his battle to cancer.

Alicia Gwynn says the new sports bar will give fans a chance to connect with their beloved No. 19 and relive some of the highlights of Gwynn’s long career.

“I am so excited to share Tony's legacy with Jamul Indian Village and the future visitors of Hollywood Casino," said Alicia. “Not only was Tony a great player, he was an exceptional man. It will be wonderful to have his accomplishments highlighted in East County.”

Jamul Indian Village says the three-story casino facility will also include several other dining options: an American steakhouse dubbed Final Cut Steak & Seafood; a dim sum and Cantonese eatery called Emerald Chinese Cuisine; Tres Taquerias, a Mexican restaurant specializing in tacos and burritos; and a Ruby’s Diner, serving burgers and root beer floats.

The casino will also house a Pizza Port where devotees of the San Diego fan favorite can grab a slice and a pint.

Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego is a nearly $400 million, three-story facility featuring approximately 1,700 slot machines and 43 live table games and a parking lot with about 1,800 spaces. Jamul Indian Village worked with Penn National Gambling, Inc., to develop the casino. Penn National will also operate the facility on the American Indian band’s six-acre reservation.

Over the years, the casino has faced much opposition from Jamul residents and homeowners.

