Creek Nation Unveils Plans To Turn South Tulsa Casino Into Margaritaville

The Creek Nation formally announced Tuesday a $250 million investment that could have a huge impact along the Arkansas River.

South Tulsa's River Spirit Casino will soon transform into Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.

Plans call for a new 500-room hotel, an event center, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, as well as a fitness center and spa and new restaurants.

There will also be 45,000 square feet for gaming, branded as the Margaritaville Casino. It will include 20 table games and 750 electronic gaming devices, like slot machines.

3/18/2013 Related Story: Tulsa's River Spirit Casino To Get $250 Million Margaritaville Makeover

The casino's decor will reflect the island paradise theme.

"Brand awareness, fun—we're developing on the river here. That's what they do. They develop a lot of waterfronts, oceans, waterfront things like that, and so it just all came together," said Pat Crofts, CEO of Muscogee Creek Nation Casinos.

The Tulsa Metro Chamber said the development will help Tulsa become known as a major destination.

The Muscogee Creek Nation expects the casino to provide a $135 million impact on the local economy, and says it will generate about 800 new full-time jobs.

The project will take about two years to complete.