Riverwind Casino to Open in July

As reported by the Norman Transcript: "Riverwind, to become the state's largest gaming casino, is on schedule to be completed and operating in mid-July.

"The 219,000-square-foot casino, just across the river from Norman on Highway 9 West, will be the 18th gaming facility owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation. Chickasaw Nation officials said Thursday Riverwind is 80 percent built. More than 950 of the 1,874 employees needed to run it have been hired.

"…The huge casino has been designed to be a major entertainment center and tourist destination. It will include 2,200 electronic gaming machines, more than 70 blackjack and poker tables and a 77-seat off-track betting lounge. There will be a 1,500-seat showplace theater for concerts, a 300-seat VIP mezzanine, two restaurants, a food court and an event center. Visitors are expected from throughout the metro area and surrounding states.

"The Chickasaws are investing in infrastructure to serve the casino. They are building a sewer plant and 2.1 million gallon water tower capable of accommodating thousands of visitors a day…"

2006-06-12