BlueWater Resort named official host for 2026 Parker 400

UNLTD Off-Road Racing has named BlueWater Resort & Casino the Official Host Hotel for the 2026 Parker 400, making the Parker riverfront property the primary hub for teams, crews, sponsors and fans during race week. The event runs Jan 14–18 and brings one of off-road racing’s signature competitions to the Colorado Riverfront in Parker.

BlueWater’s riverfront location, refreshed rooms, expanded casino floor, multiple dining options and event space position the resort as a natural race-week headquarters. The resort will host pre-running happy hours and the Parker 400 Awards Ceremony on Sunday, Jan 18, inside the BlueWater Showroom, giving teams and fans a centralized place to gather after each day on the course. “BlueWater isn’t just a place to sleep. It’s where Parker 400 week actually happens,” said Joshua Martelli, COO of UNLTD Off-Road Racing.

For La Paz County residents and businesses the designation means a concentrated surge of visitors at a time when local lodging, dining and services see heightened demand. The resort block for Parker 400 rooms had a discounted booking deadline of Jan 8, 2026; with that date passed, travelers should expect standard rates and limited availability for last-minute reservations. Fans planning to attend race-day activities should check room inventory and event schedules at theparker400.com.

The economic effect is straightforward: hotels and restaurants on the Parker Strip will capture most of the immediate spending from teams and spectators, while the expanded event footprint inside BlueWater will concentrate vendor, sponsor and hospitality activity at the resort. Local businesses that rely on winter tourism and event traffic can expect short-term boosts in foot traffic and sales, while county services including law enforcement, emergency response and public works will handle higher logistical demands during the five-day event.

In broader context, hosting race-week headquarters at a single riverfront resort reflects a trend in motorsports toward centralized event hubs that reduce transit time for teams and create turnkey experiences for sponsors. For La Paz County, that model can raise per-visitor spending but also concentrates impacts—positive and negative—along the riverfront corridor.

The takeaway? If you live in Parker, expect more people on SR 95 and near the riverfront through Jan 18, support local restaurants and shops that will benefit most, and consider booking or confirming plans now if you want to join the festivities.