TVLSE, Oklv. – A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the River Spirit Casino in Tulsa, officially finishing a $17.5 million investment to bring a new sports bar and lounge to the casino. The bar, known as Gridiron Sports Bar & Lounge, will provide the largest sports-viewing experience in the state of Oklahoma. Its crowning feature will be a giant LED video wall that is 53 feet long by 14 feet high. This is in addition to 24 mounted 70-inch televisions, 30 additional 70-inch televisions spread throughout, and 104 speakers.
The restaurant seats 157 people and features a fully-stocked, state-of-the-art kitchen, along with a center bar with seating for 27 people. The restaurant also features a private dining, viewing, and meeting space, dubbed ‘The Locker Room’, which seats more than 100 people and holds a 21-foot wide and 12-foot high video wall. In addition, there are two ‘Top Golf Swing Suite’ digital game booths which provide a simulated golf game, along with other sports, and which may be used for watching games during important sporting events.
Top leaders from both Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation gathered at the River Spirit Casino to mark the opening of the casino and gave statements to the attendees in order to celebrate the event.
“We are thrilled to unveil Gridiron as the largest sports viewing experience in Oklahoma. Gridiron represents a significant capital investment and creates a new standard in dynamic spaces where sports enthusiasts can revel in the excitement of their favorite teams while enjoying top-notch amenities and hospitality services,” Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises CEO Pat Crofts said.
This statement was echoed by Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises COO Andy Langston. “The Gridiron is yet another amenity that provides a signature environment and guest experience that sets River Spirit Casino Resort apart.” Langston said in a statement.
Principal Chief David Hill echoed these sentiments in a press release. “River Spirit Casino Resort is our flagship property, and we are incredibly proud of what we have built on our historic land alongside the beauty of the prairie river and all it abundantly provides to the citizens of the Muscogee Nation.” Chief Hill said.
What I would like to know is the proceeds from this casino as well as the other casino’s that are owned the tribe go towards. Majority of tribal members receive stipends quarterly as well as senior citizens receive a monthly income from royalties or the casino. Why is it the tribe I belong to doesn’t acknowledge its members.