My Opinion Matters
11/14/2008, 11:59 AM
A deal is in the works to reopen the Cherokee Casino Resort as Hard Rock Casino Tulsa, the Cherokee Nation announced Friday morning.
The tribe has entered into a license agreement with Hard Rock Hotel Holdings to make the casino the first Hard Rock-branded property in the region. The agreement is pending review of the National Indian Gaming Commission.
The casino, 777 W. Cherokee St. in Catoosa, is undergoing a $155 million expansion. The new gaming floor is set to open in December, and the newly branded hotel will welcome its first guests in spring 2009.
According to a news release, the new property will bring the Hard Rock experience to Oklahoma with influences from Cherokee heritage, the state's history of musical artists and a blend of the property's current and future amenities and entertainment.
"Being part of the Hard Rock brand, combined with our current expansion, will set us apart from any other entertainment option in the region," said David Stewart, CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises.
The tribe will retain full ownership and management of the casino.
"The Hard Rock brand is another tool that we are using to create a diversified, growing economy in northeastern Oklahoma," said Chad Smith, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
The new resort will include the traditional Hard Rock décor, memorabilia and merchandise. It will also feature a 19-story tower; more than 350 guest rooms; a 110,000 square foot casino; indoor and outdoor pools; 30,000 square feet of convention space; a 2,500-seat theater for concerts and sporting events; restaurants and cocktail lounges.
Tulsa > Las Vegas :confused: ;)
The tribe has entered into a license agreement with Hard Rock Hotel Holdings to make the casino the first Hard Rock-branded property in the region. The agreement is pending review of the National Indian Gaming Commission.
The casino, 777 W. Cherokee St. in Catoosa, is undergoing a $155 million expansion. The new gaming floor is set to open in December, and the newly branded hotel will welcome its first guests in spring 2009.
According to a news release, the new property will bring the Hard Rock experience to Oklahoma with influences from Cherokee heritage, the state's history of musical artists and a blend of the property's current and future amenities and entertainment.
"Being part of the Hard Rock brand, combined with our current expansion, will set us apart from any other entertainment option in the region," said David Stewart, CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises.
The tribe will retain full ownership and management of the casino.
"The Hard Rock brand is another tool that we are using to create a diversified, growing economy in northeastern Oklahoma," said Chad Smith, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
The new resort will include the traditional Hard Rock décor, memorabilia and merchandise. It will also feature a 19-story tower; more than 350 guest rooms; a 110,000 square foot casino; indoor and outdoor pools; 30,000 square feet of convention space; a 2,500-seat theater for concerts and sporting events; restaurants and cocktail lounges.
Tulsa > Las Vegas :confused: ;)