Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2004 CNO
CLAREMORE, OKLAHOMA - Cherokee Casino has purchased Will Rogers Downs, a pari-mutuel horse track in Claremore, Oklahoma.
Will Rogers Downs, Claremore, Oklahoma 
"We look forward to investing in the community to return Will Rogers Downs to prominence in the horse racing industry", said David Stewart, President and CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises, which operates Cherokee Casino.
"This is a solid business investment for the future of the Cherokee Nation and the future of Oklahoma", said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, which owns CNE and Cherokee Casino.
Will Rogers, a great Cherokee citizen and horseman, was one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century, starring on stage and screen, hosting national radio programs and writing newspaper columns.
"Will Rogers Downs carries on his tradition of entertainment", Stewart said. "Today, Cherokee Casino provides the best entertainment value and atmosphere in northeastern Oklahoma, and Will Rogers Downs will be a big part of that in the future."
CNE projects it will hire 125 new employees in the coming year.
Will Rogers Downs will compliment Cherokee Casino operations in Catoosa, where construction is nearing completion on an $80 million expansion project. That project includes a resort hotel, a championship caliber golf course and expanded gaming space.
Cherokee Nation Enterprises operates Cherokee Casinos in Catoosa, West Siloam Springs, Roland and Fort Gibson, as well as Cherokee Outpost Convenience stores, Cherokee retail tobacco shops, the Cherokee Gift Shop, Cherokee Hills golf course in Catoosa and Cherokee Trails Golf Course in Tahlequah. Cherokee Nation Enterprises employs more than 1,100 people throughout northeastern Oklahoma.
| Related contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |