Cherokee Nation holds topping out ceremony on $80 million expansion in Roland
by January 19, 2015 1:32 pm 129 views
Officials with the Cherokee Nation gathered in Roland on Monday (Jan. 19) for a topping out ceremony on the $80 million expansion of its casino and hotel operation. The new Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland is expected to add 100 new jobs and more entertainment, dining and hotel options to the region.
Work on the 170,000-square-feet of additions is scheduled to be complete by the summer.
“Today marks a significant step toward completion of our Roland expansion. The Cherokee Nation’s growth means more money for infrastructure, roads and schools in Sequoyah County. That is good for the Cherokee Nation citizens and good for our partners at the municipal, county and state levels,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker said in a statement. “The new hotel and casino are not only going to be bigger and better, but they will create more quality career opportunities in this region of the Cherokee Nation.”
The casino will offer 850 electronic games, table games and a poker room. Guests can choose from two dining options, a grab-and-go café and Las Vegas-style buffet. The plans include a resort-style hotel, featuring 120 rooms, along with convention space to host conferences, special events, weddings and trade shows.
“The new structure allows us to bring the newest and most exciting options to our guests, while bringing growth to the community where we got our first start. It’s a great day for Sequoyah County and this region,” Shawn Slaton, CEO for Cherokee Nation Businesses, said in the statement.
The first Cherokee Nation Bingo Outpost was opened in Roland in 1990. The 50,000-square-foot operation houses more than 600 electronic gaming machines, seven poker tables, six table games and a 24-hour diner. Cherokee Casino Roland employs 320 people.
Cherokee Nation Entertainment is the wholly owned gaming, hospitality, retail and tourism entity of the Cherokee Nation. The company operates Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa; seven Cherokee Casinos, including a horse racing track; three hotels; three golf courses; and other retail operations. CNE employs more than 3,500 people.