Copyright : Birgit Schmidt / 123RF Stock Photo

Cherokee Nation Business has unveiled a new partnership alongside global planning, sales and hospitality firm Legends to construct a new casino and entertainment complex in the state of Arkansas.

As a result of the partnership each party is to work on identifying various ways to heighten guest experience and overall offerings for the proposed project, which will see Legends manage the process for the design and development, as well as helping CNB to monetise the guest experience for non-gaming attractions.  

Shawn Slaton, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses, said of the agreement: “Entering into this partnership with the globally recognised team at Legends is a game-changer. They bring a wealth of experience having worked with premier venues across professional sports, live events and collegiate partners, including the University of Arkansas, AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Ultimate Fighting Championship and Live Nation amphitheatres.

“We are committed to earning the letters of support from local elected officials and look forward to unveiling our plans to the community in the near future.”

The location for the casino development is planned for Russellville, Arkansas, the design elements of which, alongside a hotel and curated culinary experience, will form phase one of the project.

Phase two will see focus shift to incorporating lifestyle and entertainment amenities, with an emphasis on creating family-friendly entertainment options, while the final phase will include additional retail, dining and hotel concepts.

“We are excited about the opportunity to bring our proven expertise in collaboration with CNB, to create a truly world-class entertainment destination that offers an unmatched experience for guests of all ages, and will create positive economic impact to benefit the entire community,” commented Bill Rhoda, president of Legends Global Planning.

Legends was founded in 2008 through a joint venture between Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.

Stephen Jones, executive vice president, CEO and director of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, added: “We are excited to have Legends involved in the process. It is very important to us because of the family history and connection we have to Arkansas. Legends was founded on the principle of creating a superior guest experience during game day, and we look forward to bringing that expertise to the state of Arkansas.”