Groundbreaking ceremony held for new convention center project at WinStar World Casino and Resort

THACKERVILLE, OKLA. (APRIL 29,2015) - Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, joined by several elected officials and community members, today gathered to break ground on a new convention center at WinStar World Casino and Resort.

Located on the southeast corner of the casino, WinStar Convention Center will enable casino officials to serve a greater number of businesses and organizations through hosting single- and multi-day conventions, business trainings and luncheons, meetings, and more.

"This new convention center is designed to meet the specific needs associated with conferences and conventions," said Gov. Anoatubby. "We believe this new facility will increase the already significant economic impact WinStar has on the local community and the Chickasaw Nation because it will attract businesses and other organizations across the United States looking for a new venue for this type of event.

"This increased revenue provides funding for healthcare, education, housing and other services to help fulfill our mision of enhancing the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw peope."

The new 65,000 square-foot facility will include a grand ballroom with a seating capacity to serve up to 1,000 guests, a junior ballroom with seating for up to 700 people, three executive boardrooms, pre-function spaces to host before and after events, a kitchen for event catering, as well as additional spaces for employee offices and a break room.

"This is an exciting, new phase for WinStar," said Bill Lance, Chickasaw Nation's Secretary of Commerce. "We look forward to serving south-central Oklahoma in a greater capacity and enhancing the positive economic impact to the area."

Currently, construction is in the beginning phase with work being completed on utilities. The convention center is the design of Rees Associates, Inc. in Oklahoma City and Manhattan Construction Group serving as general contractor. Construction is expected to be complete in 2016.

About WinStar World Casino and Resort

With more games than any other casino in the world, WinStar World Casino and Resort offers more than 7,500 electronic games, 98 tables games, 46 poker tables, a 3,500-seat Global Event Center and the nearly 1,400-room WinStar World Casino Hotel. Located just north of the Oklahoma/Texas border along Interstate 35, WinStar World Casino and Resort presents unrivaled gaming action 24 hours a day, seven days a week, world-class entertainers and a wide range of restaurants. For more information visit our website at http://www.winstarworldcasino.com.