Cherokee Nation to open Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa

Tulsa, Oklahoma (AP) – The Cherokee Nation is planning to brand its expanded 19-story hotel and casino near Tulsa as the Hard Rock Casino Tulsa.

Cherokee Nation Enterprises announced the license agreement with Hard Rock Hotel Holdings. The agreement still must be approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission.

As part of the Hard Rock brand, the new resort will include the traditional Hard Rock decor, memorabilia and merchandise, and will have influences from Cherokee heritage and Oklahoma’s musical history.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith says the tribe retains full ownership and management of the facility.

The USD 155 million expansion project is nearing completion, with the new gaming floor expected to open in December and the hotel set to open in spring 2009.