Tribal leaders of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians unveiled their new six-story parking structure at Valley View Casino.

The 1,200-space parking structure is part of a $114 million casino expansion that will include more gabling space, restaurants and other amenities. Officials said they expect to complete the expansion project by Oct. 2007.

"We believe we have much to be thankful for and (the structure) is just the first of several milestones in the development of what we believe will be a premier gaming and dining destination," said Joe Navarro, president of the tribe’s casino development group.

The first cars parked in the new structure shortly after a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Wednesday morning. Tribal leaders said the expansion will add 60,000 square feet of gaming space, five new restaurants, three bars and a special events center.

Before the new parking spaces opened, customers relied on parking lots carved higher up on a hill above the casino. Shuttles brought the customers closer to the casino entrance. The parking lots will remain to provide overflow parking capacity, officials said.