Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
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News from Cherokee Nation Enterprises
Copyright © 2005 CNO/CNE
CLAREMORE, OKLAHOMA – Opening weekend for the newly renovated Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs has proven successful, officials say, far exceeding projected attendance. Live music graced the stage overlooking Claremore’s largest dance floor, both Friday and Saturday night, while patrons packed the gaming floor.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith welcomes visitors to the opening of the Cherokee Nation’s new "racino" Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. 
More than $2 million in improvements have been made to the 236-square-acre complex, which features 250 compacted electronic games, simulcast horse racing, a restaurant, dance floor, sidewalk café, and live entertainment stage. Cherokee Nation Enterprises, the parent company of Cherokee Casinos, expects the track to bring nearly 100 new jobs to Claremore.
“We are ready for Will Rogers Downs to once again make a significant impact on the economy in northeastern Oklahoma,” said Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation Chad Smith.
Cherokee Nation Enterprises purchased the facility, which hasn’t seen live races for nearly five years, in March 2004. Since the purchase, the track surface has been refurbished in anticipation for the 42 racing days Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs has been granted. The season starts in February and will run through May of 2006, featuring Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa races at the track. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Revenues generated from the facility will help fund education in Oklahoma as well as the state’s horse racing industry. The passage of State Question 712 in November 2004 allowed the Cherokee Nation to enter into a gaming compact with the state of Oklahoma. That compact allowed card games at Cherokee casinos, as well as electronic games at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. In return, the tribe will share gaming revenues with the state. Card games, however, will not be played at the new facility.
Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs is three miles east of Claremore just off the Will Rogers Expressway on Hwy. 20. The racetrack is a mile long, and the training track is one-half-mile long. The complex houses 13 barns with 440 livestock stalls; a covered, open-air grandstand that will seat 2,700; a 60,000 sq. ft. grandstand building that was renovated in 1998; a 32,000 sq. ft. exposition building; and indoor and outdoor arenas. Future plans include a fine dining area to seat 440 people, with a panoramic view of both the racetrack and nearby lake.
The complex also has an RV park with 450 full hook-up rigs, and a separate clubhouse for RV guests. The park is considered the largest in the state of Oklahoma.
Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs is named for one of the country’s most revered humorists, Will Rogers. Rogers was born not far from the facility now named for him, on Nov. 4, 1879. A Cherokee citizen, Rogers starred in 71 motion pictures, was a radio commentator, newspaper columnist, humorist, and humanitarian. After his untimely death in 1935, he was laid to rest in Claremore.
Cherokee Nation Enterprises is the retail, gaming, entertainment and hospitality business for the Cherokee Nation and operates casinos in Catoosa, Roland, West Siloam Springs, Fort Gibson and Tahlequah as well as two Cherokee Outpost convenience stores, seven retail tobacco shops, two gift shops and two golf courses. The company employs more than 2,800 people across Green Country.
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |