Muscogee Nation announces hotel as part of casino expansion

Tuesday, March 19, 2013  

The Muscogee Nation is announcing a $250 million expansion of the River Spirit Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The tribe will be adding a 22-story, 500-room hotel tower to the facility. The expansion will include a new gaming area, an entertainment venue, a convention center, a spa, a pool, a theater and restaurants in partnership with Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville brand.

"We at River Spirit and the Muscogee Nation are committed to providing quality jobs, and economic stability for Tulsa-area residents,” Muscogee Nation Casinos CEO Pat Crofts said in a press release.

Construction will begin this fall and is expected to take 18 to 24 months. The new facility will be open in early 2015.

“I am happy to bring a few palm trees and frozen concoctions to the banks of the Arkansas River,” said Jimmy Buffett. “The first time I ever saw Tulsa was from the stage at Cain’s Ballroom awhile back.  It is an honor to be returning as part of this great new entertainment complex in association with River Spirit and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.  I look forward to getting back to Tulsa and playing there again real soon."

The tribe is holding a press conference this afternoon to announce the project.

Get the Story:
River Spirit Casino announces Margaritaville partnership (Fox 23 News 3/19)
River Spirit plans Margaritaville expansion (The Tulsa World 3/19)