Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2004 CNO
CATOOSA, OK — Cherokee Casino Resort in Catoosa opens to the public at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 8. This ‘soft’ opening will showcase several major features of the new $80 million destination resort, while final completion and grand opening on the project is scheduled for later this year. “This facility provides jobs and economic development for the whole region,” said Principal Chief Chad Smith. “Every dollar we make is used either for services here in northeastern Oklahoma or reinvested in our businesses to provide more economic opportunity and jobs, because jobs are essential to keeping our communities strong.”Described by Principal Chief Smith as “The Jewel of Northeastern Oklahoma,” the resort features an expanded casino, 70-par golf course, 150-room hotel with valet service, a conference center, three restaurants, a grille, a gift shop, a sports bar, a piano bar and two separate stages for live entertainment.
“This property is the first resort destination gaming facility in Oklahoma. It is a ‘one stop shop’ for daily entertainment. Live bands, great food, and friendly service are commonplace,” said David Stewart, CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises. “It’s one of a kind.”
Gaming space has been expanded from 40,000 sq. ft. to 80,000 sq ft. in three distinct gaming environments.
The newly constructed casino floor offers 839 electronic gaming machines set in an ornate design of stained glass, colorful hues, wood and iron, along with a hint of Cherokee culture strategically placed throughout the facility.
The original casino floor, offering 1,038 electronic gaming machines, will remain open for five days after the September 8 soft opening. Shortly thereafter the casino will close in sections for remodeling. This retrofit project will take approximately 90-days to complete.
The newly redesigned Cabin Creek section of the casino offers 401 electronic gaming machines in a country-themed atmosphere. A live entertainment stage features local acts several nights a week, including Mary Cogan and James Muns & Sierra. Plasma screen TVs are located throughout Cabin Creek, airing country-themed programming and will broadcast all live entertainment acts. The Cabin Creek Smokehouse, adjacent to the casino floor, offers a variety of barbeque entrees.
The well-appointed 150-room hotel features a variety of suites including the Honeymoon Suite and the Chief Suite. The art deco and Cherokee culture designed hotel is reminiscent of downtown Tulsa in the 1920’s coupled with a wealth of Cherokee art depicting a legacy of Cherokee customs and traditions. Room reservations are now available. Amenities offered at the hotel include room service, an indoor-outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and gift shop.
The Wild Potato Buffet, open 24-hours a day, features a salad bar, a vast array of entrees created by award winning chef Dale Jager, and a dessert bar showcasing an elegant chocolate fountain.
Award-winning McGill’s restaurant opens a fourth location at the resort, featuring the finest steaks, chops and fresh seafood. Open for dinner only, reservations are suggested.
Twisters Sports Bar, home of the soon-to-be famous F5 cocktail, offers a variety of appetizers, live music and other entertainment four nights a week. Artists scheduled to perform in the month of September include Brandon Clark, Superfreak, Travis Fite, Time Machine, Soul Food and Charlie Redd. A unique feature at Twisters Sports Bar is a 210-inch projection screen that drops down from the ceiling. The screen will show everything from sporting events to live entertainment.
The C:Note Piano Lounge is located away from the casino floor adjacent to the hotel lobby. Patrons can enjoy the finest music, from classical to contemporary jazz, while relaxing with a martini, cocktail or glass of wine. Menu items include oysters on the half shell, snow crab claw cocktail, fried calamari and rich flavored smoked salmon.
Open since July for public play, Cherokee Hills Golf Club features contoured fairways, undulating greens, challenging bunkers and an exceptional blend of aesthetics for golfers at all skill levels. Cherokee Hills is a redesign of the historic Perry Maxwell course originally built in 1924. The newly constructed clubhouse offers a grille, pro shop, locker rooms, and meeting space large enough to accommodate up to 140 people.
Over 7,500 sq. ft. of additional meeting space is available throughout the resort including in-house catering and beverage service.
Cherokee Casino Resort in Catoosa employs more than 900 people and provides private dining space and locker rooms for employees.
Cherokee Nation Enterprises, which operates Cherokee Casino Resort, provides revenue to the Cherokee Nation in the form of a dividend. That money is used to help fund tribal health, education, community services and housing programs.
CNE operates casinos in Catoosa, West Siloam Springs, Roland, Fort Gibson, and Tahlequah as well as Cherokee Outpost convenience stores, Cherokee retail tobacco shops, two gift shops and two golf courses. CNE employs more than 1,950 people throughout northeastern Oklahoma.
| Related Cherokee Nation 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 |