Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby cuts ribbon at now-opened OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark
Ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the official opening of the resort and indoor waterpark
OKLAHOMA CITY – Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby joined other tribal leaders and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt today in leading ribbon cutting ceremonies marking the official opening of OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark located in Horizons District. The resort opens to the public at 1 p.m.
Governor Anoatubby said the massive $400 million project continues the Chickasaw Nation’s commitment to create opportunities for tourism growth and economic momentum in Oklahoma and Oklahoma City.
"This ceremonious occasion offers a moment for us to reflect on the achievements made since breaking ground at the site in 2022," Governor Anoatubby stated. "Cultural tourism has long been integral to our investment and enterprise strategy. We recognize the significance of the tourism industry for Oklahoma, given its inherent appeal as a destination for cultural tourism, showcasing both First American heritage and world-class attractions. We are confident that OKANA, First Americans Museum, and Horizons District will attract increased visitation to Oklahoma, functioning as both a destination and a hub for those interested in exploring other regional attractions.
"The City of Oklahoma City has been an exceptional partner throughout every stage of OKANA's development, from initial conception to its ultimate construction, as we realize this shared vision. The Chickasaw Nation and Oklahoma City have consistently maintained a mutual respect and understanding that mutual benefit is achieved through collaboration. We value our partnerships with other forward-thinking leaders and governments who are willing to engage in cooperative endeavors."
Situated along the Oklahoma River near downtown Oklahoma City and adjacent to the First Americans Museum, OKANA is a world-class, luxury destination featuring:
- An 11-story, 404-suite hotel with modern accommodations featuring seven distinct suite types
- A 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, which is the largest in the region with a wave pool, lazy river, high-end cabanas, an adults-only pool, and 15 water slides for kids and adults
- A 20,000-square-foot family entertainment center with interactive arcade games, two-story lazer tag, and more
- Approximately 27,000-square-feet of conference center space
- A full-service day spa
- 13 unique restaurant and beverage outlets.
- A 4.5-acre outdoor adventure area designed for relaxation and play that sits as the centerpiece of the resort with a lagoon that is the 4th largest pool in the country
- Three outdoor event spaces with two amphitheaters
Exhibit C Gallery, also owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation, has moved its location adjacent to First Americans Museum (FAM) and OKANA. The reimagined 10,000-square-foot First Americans retail gallery features a multi-use gallery space and seven rental art studios for First American artists. The gallery space will work collaboratively to partner with FAM to complement the programs and activities already offered by the museum.
"We are excited for this momentous opening of OKANA,” said Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce Dan Boren. “OKANA is a testament to Governor Anoatubby's visionary leadership. His foresight, coupled with the strong collaborative relationship we share with the City of Oklahoma City, has been instrumental in realizing the OKANA project. We extend our gratitude to our leaders at the tribal, state, and local levels, as well as to our esteemed business leaders, for their invaluable collaboration. This resort will not only serve as a prominent landmark for Oklahoma and Oklahoma City but will also function as a substantial economic catalyst, driving job growth and generating opportunities for all residents of this region.”
OKANA’s construction phase generated 1,404 annual jobs. The employee count at opening today is more than 400 people, and OKANA is expected to make an annualized economic impact of about $98 million in its first year of operation. Over the next decade, OKANA is projected to drive $1.3 billion in spending and generate nearly $214 million in tax revenue for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County and the state. Full-time employment is projected to expand to as many as 500 direct and indirect jobs annually.
“There is nothing else like OKANA in our state,” Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said. “This will be a regional draw and a game changer for OKC. And it’s even more unique because it is tied to one of the most meaningful museums in the world, the First Americans Museum. Visitors to OKANA will have both a fun and an impactful experience.”
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater said, “OKANA Resort is a vital new asset in Oklahoma City’s transition as a top tourism destination. The investment made here will drive spending and boost economic development throughout the city. We applaud the team on this incredible development and look forward to working together to bring visitors to OKANA Resort, Horizons District and Oklahoma City.”
“OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark is a game-changer for the tourism industry in Oklahoma City, further solidifying Horizons District as a vibrant district for both visitors and locals,” said Zac Craig, President of Visit Oklahoma City. “This incredible development is a major addition to our city’s tourism landscape, offering unique experiences that will attract travelers year-round from far and wide. At Visit OKC, we are thrilled to see OKANA open its doors, and we look forward to the tremendous impact it will have on our community.”
OKANA will also offer convenient connectivity to the Boathouse District and the new Oklahoma River Cruises Ferry Landing, which has been developed with the support of a $4 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration. Furthermore, access to the development will be facilitated by the trail system extending along both the north and south banks of the river.
Comanche Nation Entertainment Launches Expanded Comanche Cache Casino
Grand re-opening day exceeded the casino’s forecasted head count and revenue amount
Cache, Okla., – Comanche Cache Casino marked a major milestone last Friday, unveiling its highly anticipated upgrades during a grand re-opening celebration. The casino experienced headcount and revenues which exceeded forecasted amounts.
“Cache Casino represents more than just a new gaming destination—it represents the growth and strength of Comanche Nation Entertainment,” said Steven Doyle, CEO of Comanche Nation Entertainment. “It is a beacon of opportunity for our community, a place that will create jobs, drive economic growth, and provide an exceptional experience for our guests.”
Beyond the introduction of Oklahoma’s first Wahlburgers and over 300 new gaming machines, the ceremony featured hourly cash drawings for guests. Actor and comedian Tatanka Means, best known for his roles in Killers of the Flower Moon and The Son, also joined the celebration, meeting with guests during a special meet-and-greet.
“The grand reopening set the stage for continued growth and innovation,” said Brian Weryavah, general manager of Comanche Cache Casino. “We were honored by the overwhelming support from the community as we celebrated the start of this new era for Cache.”
The casino will hold its grand opening event for Oklahoma's first Wahlburgers restaurant this Thursday, February 27 starting at 6 p.m.
Comanche Cache Casino is located at 16193 OK-115 in Cache, Oklahoma. For more information about the newly renovated Comanche Nation Entertainment property, visit https://comanchecachecasino.com.
Oklahoma Contemporary welcomes art from Edgar Heap of Birds
By Sarah Liese (Twilla), KOSU
Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds is a Cheyenne and Arapaho elder and multi-disciplinary artist whose work shares multiple messages —often those of Indigenous resistance, land protections and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
For the first time, his work is on display on every level of the Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center and even outside, making this museum retrospective a campus-wide exhibition. It is called Honor Song and is a mixed-media compilation of Heap of Birds’ creative vision dating back to the 1970s.
“At the end of the day, you know what you want to do is you want to be able to pronounce who you are,” Heap of Birds said during a press preview at the museum. “You need to do something to help people and articulate what's not being said.”
A guiding concept for Heap of Birds is the sacred number four, evident in how the exhibition is thematically organized: reckoning, resilience, renewal, and rhythm. Within those themes are different expressions and art forms to appeal to different palates.
“If you want to do political discussions, the prints are great for that,” Heap of Birds said. “If you want to do beautiful discourse with land and animals… abstract painting is great for that. So all these different kinds of ways of working are best for the job that you're prescribing for them.”
Though he was born in Wichita, Kansas, he holds a deep love for Oklahoma and has called Oklahoma City home for the last three decades.
He taught students at the University of Oklahoma as a professor and some abroad at the Michaelis School of Fine Art and the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Oklahoma Contemporary held its opening celebration on Thursday night. Honor Song is open to the public at no cost.
On April 24, a basketball court installation called Neufs for Oklahoma Autumn will be on display outside of the museum at Campbell Art Park. For a comprehensive list of when the exhibits, visit the museum’s website.
Oklahoma Contemporary is a financial supporter of KOSU, but we report on them just as we do any newsmaker.
