Oklahoma: Choctaw Landing hosts grand opening celebration with ribbon cutting ceremony

Choctaw Landing, the Choctaw Nation’s newest 100-room luxury resort and casino in Hochatown, Oklahoma, held its grand opening on Thursday. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton presided over the ribbon cutting and celebration, which included around 300 attendees.

“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 Chief Batton. “We broke ground down here two years ago, and to see our grand opening today and all the things we’re going to be able to bring to McCurtain County, it’s exciting.

"I love that we’re seeing our culture and history displayed here and that it’s an economic boost to this area. Hopefully, people will learn about Choctaw Nation here more than ever before.” 

In honor of the special occasion, Choctaw dancers and singers performed, and attendees participated in traditional Choctaw activities like flint knapping, weaponry, and pottery. 

Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell was one of many state officials in attendance. His speech highlighted the impact Oklahoma’s sovereign nations, such as the Choctaw Nation, have had on the tourism industry in Oklahoma.   

“You are leading the way in economic development,” said Pinnell of the Choctaw Nation. “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.” 

According to officials, the opening of the $238 million Choctaw Landing resort has been a major boost to the local economy, creating more than 400 jobs in Southeast Oklahoma. The resort, which opened its doors on April 3rd, ahead of Thursday's official ceremony, will have an estimated economic impact of $95 million on the region.  

The resort includes the following amenities:

• 100 guest rooms with 15 suites.
• Three conference rooms and more than 4,300 sq. ft. of meeting space.
• One hotel restaurant and three outdoor dining/bar options.
• Resort fitness center. 
• Pool area with nine cabanas, two hot tubs, and three fire pits.
• Outdoor amphitheater with seating for 125.
• Casino with 600 slot machines and eight table games including roulette and blackjack.
• Mercantile with gifts, groceries, a deli, a Starbucks, and a 24-pump fuel station.

Incorporating the Choctaw culture throughout, Choctaw Landing has partnered with more than 20 Choctaw artists from around the country to create original artwork for the resort. There are 40 pieces of artwork in public spaces, two large exterior sculptures, including an interactive steel sculpture showcasing Choctaw dancers, will be installed during the summer and 600 pieces of artwork located throughout guest rooms. 

To celebrate these artists, Choctaw Landing has developed an art hike to provide guests with an interactive, and educational look at the Choctaw art featured throughout the resort. Using AI technology, a digital twin of Choctaw Chief Gary Batton will guide visitors as they learn about the culture, art, and history of the Choctaw Nation.  

“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. “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.”