Later in 1996, Ameristar Casinos planned to purchase Gem Gaming, and construction slowed to allow for an expanded redesign of the project, which was then expected to open between March and April 1997.

Ameristar Casinos ultimately opened The Reserve on February 10, 1998, with an African safari/jungle theme, although the resort failed to generate a substantial profit.

In 2001, The Reserve was purchased by Station Casinos, which renovated and rebranded the hotel-casino as the southwestern party-themed Fiesta Henderson.

It was a sister property to Station's Fiesta Rancho, located in North Las Vegas, Nevada.

[3] The Reserve was announced by Gem Gaming in April 1995, with plans to break ground later that summer for an opening on July 4, 1996.

[4] It was estimated that more than 80,000 cars passed by the project site each day, a number that was expected to increase to over 150,000 following the completion of a nearby beltway.

[5] Aside from the main resort, Gem Gaming planned for two additional phases of construction, to add other amenities such as a movie theater and more hotel rooms.

[7] Ameristar planned to open the property with 225 hotel rooms, 1,000 slot machines, and 35 gaming tables.

[10] By October 1996, Ameristar chose to instead purchase Gem Gaming and become the sole owner of the project,[12] while Rebeil and Magliarditi would operate the casino.

[22] Work on the resort – including drywall, murals, and expansion plans – was nearing completion in November 1997, with an opening targeted for January.

[18] The hotel-casino's theme revolved around the concept of a fictional adventurer named Congo Jack, who had crash-landed his airplane in an African-themed environment,[18] and was nursed back to health by Monsoon Mary.

[3] The resort's entrance was marked by 80-foot-high elephant tusks,[3] and its parking lot was designed to resemble a Serengeti grassland.

[27] The resort opened with a fireworks show on the night of February 10, 1998,[21][24] with a 10-story, 224-room hotel; a 37,000 sq ft (3,400 m2) casino, with 26 table games and 1,435 slot machines; three lounges; four restaurants;[3] and a 300-seat bingo hall.

[29] Upon opening, The Reserve's targeted clientele was local residents in Henderson, which was the fastest-growing city in the United States at that time.

[55] A remodeling of the hotel rooms was completed in April 2016, and the resort exterior was also updated, including a new paint color.

[63][65] The company announced in August 2020 that the reopening of closed properties, including the Fiestas, was dependent on demand, noting that the closures may be permanent.

[65][69][70] Analysts viewed the demolition plans as a defensive move to prevent future competition from gaming rivals.

[72][73] Three months later, the city of Henderson announced that it would purchase the site for $32 million to build an indoor recreational sports center.

[74][75] At the city's request, the Fiesta Henderson's parking garage was left on the property to be incorporated into the new project.