The Choctaw Nation officially opened Choctaw Landing, its new 100-room luxury resort and casino, with a grand celebration on May 23, 2024. Although the resort began welcoming guests on April 3, the event marked its formal inauguration.
Chief Gary Batton of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by approximately 300 guests. “Any time you can bring our culture and our history together, along with economic development for our tribal members and the citizens of this area, it’s a great day,” said Batton in an official statement.
The celebration featured performances by Choctaw dancers and singers and guests engaged in traditional Choctaw activities such as flintknapping, weaponry and pottery.
Among the dignitaries present was Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, who praised the Choctaw Nation’s contributions to Oklahoma’s tourism sector. “You are leading the way in economic development,” said Pinnell in an official press release. “Oklahoma is Oklahoma because of our 39 sovereign nations. This is Native America. In Oklahoma, our tourism industry is the third largest industry in the state because of our sovereign nations.”
The $238 million Choctaw Landing resort is expected to significantly impact the local economy, generating over 400 jobs in southeast Oklahoma and contributing an estimated $95 million to the region.
The resort features a variety of amenities, including 100 guest rooms with 15 suites, three conference rooms with over 4,300 square feet of meeting space, a hotel restaurant, three outdoor dining and bar options, a fitness center and a pool area with nine cabanas, two hot tubs and three fire pits. Additionally, the resort boasts an outdoor amphitheater with seating for 125, a casino with 600 slot machines and eight table games and a mercantile offering gifts, groceries, a deli, Starbucks and a 24-pump fuel station.
Choctaw Landing integrates Choctaw culture throughout its design, partnering with over 20 Choctaw artists nationwide to create original artwork for the resort. The collection includes 40 pieces in public spaces, two large exterior sculptures and 600 artworks in guest rooms. An interactive art hike, guided by an AI representation of Chief Gary Batton, allows guests to explore the resort’s art installations while learning about Choctaw culture and history.
“From the planning stages years ago, we knew that we wanted to bring something to this community that brought culture first and foremost,” said Heidi Grant, senior executive officer over commerce, in an official statement. “Culture was prevalent in the design and development stages. We were very considerate about the nature and community aspects and how we could fit and complement this area.”
For more information about Choctaw Landing, click here.
Don't miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.
