Oklahoma tribe unveils $3.3m casino resort renno

In Ottawa County on Wednesday, July 15, 2021, the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma (PTIO) unveiled the $3.3 million renovation of its Buffalo Run Casino & Resort property, celebrating the completion of the 17-week project.

After 17 years of operation, the ceremonial ribbon was cut at the federally recognized tribe‘s casino resort after undergoing what was reportedly the largest renovation at the Miami, Oklahoma property since its opening.

The entire multi-million dollar project was, according to Chief Craig Harper, designed to provide guests with a “full experience” ranging from entertainment, live bands, food, and activities, as reported by The Joplin Globe.

Project details:

Included in the renovation, the casino’s restaurant was totally remodeled and rebranded and now operates as Coal Creek. Designed to serve “upscale American cuisine,” the restaurant seats 75 while its new moniker combines aspects of the tribe’s origin. According to Tribal Chief Harper, the culinary staff at the facility worked for months planning the revamped restaurant’s new menu.

Other new additions include a Top Golf Swing Suite and esports gaming suite, the Contender, both of which are located in the Backwoods Bar and Grill, which also received the remodel and rebranding package, and features in-house smoked meats.

The Chief reportedly said that as a casino, they are always watching for new amenities for their guests and the esports suite “is a good fit” for them.

Billed as an “immersive social experience,” the Top Golf Swing Suites will allow people to partake in 30, 60, or 120-minute virtual golf sessions, with each accommodating as many as eight players. Officials reportedly estimate that it takes about an hour to play 18 holes on a virtual PGA course the likes of Mauna Kea Resort, Scottsdale North and Pepple Beach.

The Contender esports suite, meanwhile, is courtesy of the tribe’s newest partner, Northeastern A&M College (NEO A&M College) while also serving as the home of the public community college’s new esports program.

Chief Harper said esports “provides new opportunities for students to come to NEO who are nontraditional athletes.”  He detailed that availability of esports sessions is time or membership-based.

Property amenities:

Buffalo Run Casino & Resort’s 70,000 square feet of casino, which is open daily from 8am to 4am, features more than 650 slot machines, a selection of live dealer table games, including craps, blackjack, roulette and poker variations, and The Launch Pad Zone and High Limit Room.

In addition to the 3-star, 98-room Buffalo Run Hotel, other property amenities include three dining options, bars/lounges, the 1,500 seat Peoria Showplace event center, a gift shop and more.