Elk City, OK – A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes' newest Lucky Star Casino development in Elk City, marking the beginning of what tribal leaders describe as the most ambitious project in the casino brand's history.
The new Lucky Star Casino, located on South Eastern Avenue, will be built in multiple phases and is expected to become a major destination for western Oklahoma.
Phase 1 of the project will feature a 56,000 square foot casino with approximately 750 gaming machines, a 100 room hotel totaling 65,000 square feet, a food court, steakhouse, indoor swimming pool, and fitness center.
Future expansion plans include a convention center, family entertainment arcade, and outdoor pool in Phase 2. Phase 3 will add a full service convenience store complete with a trucker's lounge and driver facilities, while Phase 4 will include an RV park.
Friday's ceremony began with a traditional drum performance, followed by an opening prayer from Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal member and pastor Delford Whitecrow Jr.
Opening remarks were delivered by Bill Tallbear, Compliance Officer for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. Speakers also included Elk City Mayor Micah Kilhoffer, Lucky Star Casinos CEO Charlie Welbourne, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Lieutenant Governor Hershel Gorham, and Governor Reggie Wassana.
Kilhoffer said residents have eagerly anticipated the start of construction for more than a year.
"The most common question that I have gotten in the last 12 months has been, 'When are they going to break ground on the casino?' Well, today's that day."
The mayor said the project represents much more than a new entertainment venue, pointing to its expected economic impact on Elk City and the surrounding region.
"Today marks the beginning of phase one of an exciting development that's going to bring jobs to our community, attract visitors to our community, strengthen our local economy, and really just open up doors for everyone in our entire region."
Kilhoffer also spoke about the importance of continued growth in rural Oklahoma.
"Small towns in America are really dying. They're struggling bad. Some of them are almost evaporating. But here in Elk City, we just continue to prove that story wrong. We're thriving. We're not just surviving. We're building, we're investing, and we're pushing forward."
He praised the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes for their investment and longstanding relationship with the city.
"The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes have a rich history and a resilient spirit and a strong commitment to their people and the communities they serve. This hotel and casino is really a testament to that."
Kilhoffer added that Elk City values its partnership with the tribes and looks forward to welcoming the completed development.
"We believe in strong partnerships, and we're more than proud to stand alongside the tribes. We consider you neighbors, partners, and friends. Today's groundbreaking begins something special. We're building a destination for local visitors, creating opportunities, and providing something for the entire region."
Lucky Star officials describe the Elk City location as the company's "most aggressive project to date," with construction beginning immediately on the first phase of the development.
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