RENO, Nev. (AP) — Officials for the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno say they're hoping to lure more locals with $25 million in renovations.

Northern Nevada's largest hotel-casino is planning a "Grand Celebration" this weekend to show off white marble flooring, new and upgraded restaurants, numerous chandeliers and updated wall coverings.

Bill Eadington of the University of Nevada, Reno's Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming says the Grand Sierra is inherently a tourist hotel because of its size. He tells the Reno Gazette-Journal (http://on.rgj.com/ShJZS3 ) the challenge will be convincing locals that they should visit, too.

The property has struggled in recent years and seen seven different owners since it opened as the MGM Grand-Reno in 1978. It was purchased by the California-based Meruelo Group last spring.

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Information from: Reno Gazette-Journal, http://www.rgj.com