Operator News
US – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa plans for expansion
By Phil - 7 September 2018
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Tulsa unveiled plans for its latest expansion during a ceremony and celebration marking the last piece of steel being placed in the structure.
Plans for the resort destination include a new country-themed live entertainment venue, a poker room, a multipurpose center and additional gaming.
“We have consistently remained the market leader in gaming and hospitality due to our firm commitment to guest experience,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “That commitment is what our reputation is founded on, and it extends far beyond our businesses. When our businesses are successful, the Cherokee Nation and our neighbors throughout northeast Oklahoma reap the benefits. Our casino revenue, along with that of our other businesses, provides Cherokees with access to quality jobs, quality education, quality housing and quality health care. That commitment is what makes us stand out as Cherokee, and what continues to support a better quality of life for all.”
Tulsa’s leading entertainment destination started the expansion with the demolition of the resort’s oldest structure back in April. The new, 65,000-square-foot facility will feature 450 electronic games, a new poker room, a multipurpose center and additional space for VIPs.
The expansion will be home to the only country-themed live entertainment venue in Tulsa’s casino scene. Guests can enjoy the live sounds of local and national country artists from the expanded dance floor, bar seating, tables or VIP mezzanine.
The casino’s existing poker room will be relocated and expanded on the second floor of the new addition. The additional space will advance Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa’s reputation for hosting some of the most popular regional and national poker tours, as well as the World Series of Poker.
The 6,800-square-foot multipurpose center will be used for special promotions, weddings and private events.
Nearly 45 new jobs are expected to support the property’s expansion once complete this spring.
“Our loyal guests have consistently enjoyed the country venue that stood here before, so we are bringing it back,” said Shawn Slaton, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses. “Our team is dedicated to providing the ultimate guest experience, and this expansion will allow us to exceed expectations yet again. It’s what drives us to be the best in the market and positions us to support the Cherokee Nation with job creation and funding for services to Cherokee Nation citizens. We couldn’t make any of this possible without our dedicated workforce sharing in our mission.”
In addition to the formal topping-out celebration, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa is hosting a free concert featuring Mark Chesnutt in The Joint: Tulsa. Guests can visit the ticket office beginning at 3 p.m. to receive two free tickets to the show. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.
Since opening the first casino resort destination in Oklahoma in 2004, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa has gone through many transformations. To accommodate its growing success, the resort added two new hotel towers, a 2,700-seat concert venue, a nonsmoking gaming area featuring a food court and sports bar, and more than 23,000 square feet of convention space. Most recent additions include the opening of a luxury spa and an adults-only, resort-style swimming pool in 2017.
