http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=20081114_319_Adea002744
Casino to reopen under Hard Rock name
By Staff Reports
11/14/2008 9:12 AM
Last Modified: 11/14/2008 9:19 AM
A deal is in the works to reopen the Cherokee Casino Resort as Hard Rock Casino Tulsa, the Cherokee Nation announced Friday morning.
The tribe has entered into a license agreement with Hard Rock Hotel Holdings to make the casino the first Hard Rock-branded property in the region. The agreement is pending review of the National Indian Gaming Commission.
The casino, 777 W. Cherokee St. in Catoosa, is undergoing a $155 million expansion. The new gaming floor is set to open in December, and the newly branded hotel will welcome its first guests in spring 2009.
According to a news release, the new property will bring the Hard Rock experience to Oklahoma with influences from Cherokee heritage, the state's history of musical artists and a blend of the property's current and future amenities and entertainment.
"Being part of the Hard Rock brand, combined with our current expansion, will set us apart from any other entertainment option in the region," said David Stewart, CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises.
The tribe will retain full ownership and management of the casino.
"The Hard Rock brand is another tool that we are using to create a diversified, growing economy in northeastern Oklahoma," said Chad Smith, principal
chief of the Cherokee Nation.
The new resort will include the traditional Hard Rock décor, memorabilia and merchandise. It will also feature a 19-story tower; more than 350 guest rooms; a 110,000 square foot casino; indoor and outdoor pools; 30,000 square feet of convention space; a 2,500-seat theater for concerts and sporting events; restaurants and cocktail lounges.
Hmmmm. Interesting.
yeah, since the indians (Seminole specifically) own the Hard Rock brand they are going to exploit it for all it is worth.
<you can insert your lame refutes about "exploited for years" here>
I'm kinda disappointed in the Cherokee though, I thought they were doing a decent job of peddling their "star" brand or whatever.
That's Kewl- Catoosa is the home of the famous Blue Whale too. Catoosa is also a port city. Catoosa really rockz![:)]
IMHO, the casino's in Tulsa messed up by planting themselves in three separate areas of the city. Cherokee east, Osage North West, and Creek south. If they had all built in the same basic area people might actually come to make a trip of it. One casino is fun, but creating a small "scene" would be better to draw people in from other regions. Any perceived loss to competition would be offset by the extra draw in general.
Per the Hard Rock, it may help them draw people in. Indian Casino's have a bad rap in general (earned or otherwise), but in some instances it's cool to go to the "name brand" Indian casino's. Everyone knows the Cherokee Tribe (Osage and Creek are not as well known nationally, let alone internationally). I imagine some travelers got a kick out of being on Cherokee land.
It will, however, be an odd status bump to be the home of a Hard Rock. It used to be a big deal, but even though we are coming late to the party it still feels important for some reason. Like being the last town to get a Starbucks... you still feel like you made it.
A friend of mine had a good point.
out of towner says "i am going to cherokee casino in tulsa" their friends laugh
they say: "i am going to the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa" their friends say: they have one there?
quote:
Originally posted by Townsend
A friend of mine had a good point.
out of towner says "i am going to cherokee casino in tulsa" their friends laugh
they say: "i am going to the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa" their friends say: they have one there?
no, I would still laugh.
the Hard Rock brand is kinda washed up. it was cool in the '90s to return from far flung places with a "Hard Rock - London" T-shirt. but it kinda looses the effect with "Hard Rock -Tulsa"
I've been to Hard Rock in Denver and Maui, both are pretty ho hum.
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
quote:
Originally posted by Townsend
A friend of mine had a good point.
out of towner says "i am going to cherokee casino in tulsa" their friends laugh
they say: "i am going to the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa" their friends say: they have one there?
no, I would still laugh.
the Hard Rock brand is kinda washed up. it was cool in the '90s to return from far flung places with a "Hard Rock - London" T-shirt. but it kinda looses the effect with "Hard Rock -Tulsa"
I've been to Hard Rock in Denver and Maui, both are pretty ho hum.
They keep all the sharp objects up out of reach at your family functions I'm assuming.
according to their website, this is the only location of Hard Rock Hotel/Casinos
Hotels & Casinos
Biloxi
Hollywood, FL
Las Vegas
Tampa
The one is Vegas is supposed to be one of the hottest properties currently. Hottest clubs, hotest pool. The MTV awards were broadcast from there last year or part of them were if I remember correctly.
Being a collector of Hard Rock t-shirts, having a new one that is easy to get will be nice. While I agree the Hard Rock establishment is pretty much like any other sports bar, collecting the over priced shirts are kind of fun.
So far, I have Hard Rock: Miami, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Key West, Washington DC, Paris & Melbourne. Sounds like Tulsa might be next!
Yawn. They sold out.[8][B)]
quote:
Originally posted by ARGUS
Yawn. They sold out.
Which one? You have to be able to lower yourself and sell your goodness to the big nasty right?
Which one is the big nasty and which one was the pure entity?
Hard Rock Cafes = Washed up
Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos = Just getting started
quote:
Originally posted by Townsend
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
quote:
Originally posted by Townsend
A friend of mine had a good point.
out of towner says "i am going to cherokee casino in tulsa" their friends laugh
they say: "i am going to the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa" their friends say: they have one there?
no, I would still laugh.
the Hard Rock brand is kinda washed up. it was cool in the '90s to return from far flung places with a "Hard Rock - London" T-shirt. but it kinda looses the effect with "Hard Rock -Tulsa"
I've been to Hard Rock in Denver and Maui, both are pretty ho hum.
They keep all the sharp objects up out of reach at your family functions I'm assuming.
I think that's gonna leave a mark.
[:O]
[}:)]
I just hope they put in a giant guitar shaped pool.
And imagine this announcement,"The MTV video music awards coming to you from beautiful Catoosa, Oklahoma!!!!"
Oh well, maybe not...
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
quote:
Originally posted by Townsend
A friend of mine had a good point.
out of towner says "i am going to cherokee casino in tulsa" their friends laugh
they say: "i am going to the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa" their friends say: they have one there?
no, I would still laugh.
the Hard Rock brand is kinda washed up. it was cool in the '90s to return from far flung places with a "Hard Rock - London" T-shirt. but it kinda looses the effect with "Hard Rock -Tulsa"
I've been to Hard Rock in Denver and Maui, both are pretty ho hum.
So you're not a degenerate gambler?
Hard Rock Casino in Vegas is sweet. It's no Wynn but it's a fun place to hit the tables and has a great scene. As far as gaming, the Hard Rock brand is "rock" solid. [hehe]
I think this is a really cool development and good for the region. But, I like blackjack.
Hard Rock and Planet Hollywood themes were bankrupt? No?
I guess they'll bring those wonderful 90s theme restaurants, now casinos too, to the heartland where we've missed it so much.
The Hard Rock Hotels that have just started opening up around the world are very popular and trendy- the San Diego one is one of the most popular and highest rated hotels in that city. Ditto for Chicago. The Vegas location is also one of the hottest hotel/casinos on the strip.
They also have great dining options, like Nobu, Ago, Pink taco, China Grill, etc. Hopefully Tulsa will get something similar.
Doesn't sound too 'washed up' to me. In fact, Tulsa is fortunate to be getting this.
I just hope they keep the all you can eat seafood buffet at the Wild Potato on Friday nights. Crab legs, oysters and $1 beer...you can't beat that! For the record the Hard Rock in Vegas is not on the strip, but I digress.
quote:
Originally posted by Stone
For the record the Hard Rock in Vegas is not on the strip, but I digress.
You're right...it's 2 blocks east.
quote:
Originally posted by Stone
I just hope they keep the all you can eat seafood buffet at the Wild Potato on Friday nights. Crab legs, oysters and $1 beer...you can't beat that! For the record the Hard Rock in Vegas is not on the strip, but I digress.
It's also not in Las Vegas, it's in Clark County. But then Hard Rock Casino Clark County sounds just about as good as good as Hard Rock Casino Catoosa.
quote:
Originally posted by swake
quote:
Originally posted by Stone
I just hope they keep the all you can eat seafood buffet at the Wild Potato on Friday nights. Crab legs, oysters and $1 beer...you can't beat that! For the record the Hard Rock in Vegas is not on the strip, but I digress.
It's also not in Las Vegas, it's in Clark County. But then Hard Rock Casino Clark County sounds just about as good as good as Hard Rock Casino Catoosa.
Well, Las Vegas is in Clark County, and the Hard Rock is on Paradise, 2 blocks off the strip. How is that not in Las vegas?
swake Posted - 11/16/2008 : 10:37:00
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quote:
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Originally posted by Stone
I just hope they keep the all you can eat seafood buffet at the Wild Potato on Friday nights. Crab legs, oysters and $1 beer...you can't beat that! For the record the Hard Rock in Vegas is not on the strip, but I digress.
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It's also not in Las Vegas, it's in Clark County. But then Hard Rock Casino Clark County sounds just about as good as good as Hard Rock Casino Catoosa. ????????
quote:
Originally posted by HazMatCFO
Hard Rock and Planet Hollywood themes were bankrupt? No?
I guess they'll bring those wonderful 90s theme restaurants, now casinos too, to the heartland where we've missed it so much.
Actually the Seminole Tribe of Florida bought Hard Rock cafe a year or two ago for about 975 Million. They are very wealthy. In fact, a lot of them fly into Tulsa several times a year for some pool tournament. They have atleast one 25 million dollar G4 jet that I am aware of. I am not for sure about Planet Hollywood though.
quote:
Originally posted by Stone
swake Posted - 11/16/2008 : 10:37:00
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quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Stone
I just hope they keep the all you can eat seafood buffet at the Wild Potato on Friday nights. Crab legs, oysters and $1 beer...you can't beat that! For the record the Hard Rock in Vegas is not on the strip, but I digress.
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It's also not in Las Vegas, it's in Clark County. But then Hard Rock Casino Clark County sounds just about as good as good as Hard Rock Casino Catoosa. ????????
Almost all of the Las Vegas strip is outside of the city of Las Vegas in an unincorporated area of Clark County. Nearly all of the major casinos in Las Vegas that aren't downtown aren't actually IN Las Vegas. That's why on the show CSI the staff are Sheriff's office employees.
quote:
Originally posted by swake
quote:
Originally posted by Stone
swake Posted - 11/16/2008 : 10:37:00
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quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Stone
I just hope they keep the all you can eat seafood buffet at the Wild Potato on Friday nights. Crab legs, oysters and $1 beer...you can't beat that! For the record the Hard Rock in Vegas is not on the strip, but I digress.
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It's also not in Las Vegas, it's in Clark County. But then Hard Rock Casino Clark County sounds just about as good as good as Hard Rock Casino Catoosa. ????????
Almost all of the Las Vegas strip is outside of the city of Las Vegas in an unincorporated area of Clark County. Nearly all of the major casinos in Las Vegas that aren't downtown aren't actually IN Las Vegas. That's why on the show CSI the staff are Sheriff's office employees.
Interesting...I never knew that, thanks.
Las Vegas uses a metro police run by the sheriff.
quote:
Originally posted by Wilbur
Las Vegas uses a metro police run by the sheriff.
That I didn't know, thanks.
But, the strip is still outside of the city of Las Vegas.
For that style of venue I prefer House of Blues...BTW, HOB Hotel was pretty cool place to stay in Chicago.
FYI, the Hard Rock Vegas is the site for a new reality TV show:
http://www.trutv.com/shows/rehab/index.html
It's sure to promote and exploit the Hard Rock brand, if only to the horny, hetero drunk crowd.
Hmm, I thought Toby Keith's Bar and Grill was coming to the Casino.
Now that's about as Hard Rock as it get's(NOT!)
quote:
Originally posted by cannon_fodder
IMHO, the casino's in Tulsa messed up by planting themselves in three separate areas of the city. Cherokee east, Osage North West, and Creek south. If they had all built in the same basic area people might actually come to make a trip of it.
AGREED....I have wondered WHY they did this for years other than the land...look at Tunica...thats a place to go to gamble if you want to make a trip of it..NOT Tulsa.
I'm pretty sure that is because South is Creek Territory, NE is Cherokee Territory and NW is Osage territory.
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle
I'm pretty sure that is because South is Creek Territory, NE is Cherokee Territory and NW is Osage territory.
Yes, I would guess that casinos have to be built in a tribe's own territory. Most of Tulsa proper is in Creek territory, I think.
But yes, it would be great if two or three of the big Indian casinos like Cherokee, Riverwind and Downstream, could all be together. It would be quite a tourist destination.
We could build it just a block east of the Tulsa County Election Board. Right about where the bridge is...at the corner of Edison and Elwood.
That is the intersection of the three tribal lands. Creek to the south, Osage to the west, and Cherokee to the east.
Call it the "Three Corners Tribal Casino" and have three separate casinos connected with a large parking garage.
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael
We could build it just a block east of the Tulsa County Election Board. Right about where the bridge is...at the corner of Edison and Elwood.
That is the intersection of the three tribal lands. Creek to the south, Osage to the west, and Cherokee to the east.
Call it the "Three Corners Tribal Casino" and have three separate casinos connected with a large parking garage.
It's a cool idea. However, the tribes are so competitive with each other, would they agree to be that close? Probably not.
Will it be HR-Tulsa, HR-Oklahoma, or HR-Cherokee Nation?
quote:
Originally posted by tim huntzinger
Will it be HR-Tulsa, HR-Oklahoma, or HR-Cherokee Nation?
According to this article (//%22http://www.mercurynews.com/travel/ci_11063685%22), it will be Hard Rock Casino Tulsa.