Demolition Begins On Hard Rock Casino's Bingo Hall Damaged In Snow Storm

Craig Day, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma – Cleanup is underway at the Hard Rock Casino in Catoosa.

Demolition crews are hard at work tearing down and cleaning up the old bingo facility damaged by our historic snowfalls.

3/5/2011 Related Story: Hard Rock Casino Tears Down Building Damaged In Storm

With all of the construction at the Cherokee Gaming Complex in Catoosa over the years, it's rare to see demolition work instead.

"Very seldom have we had to tear anything down," David Stewart, Cherokee Nation, said.

But that's what's happening right now, thanks to our historic snowstorms.

"We're going to make lemonade out of this situation," Stewart said.

Heavy snow was too much for the first gaming facility the Cherokees built on the site, causing a partial roof collapse.

2/1/2011 Related Story: No Injuries When Roof Collapses At Tulsa's Hard Rock Casino

There was enough structural damage, it had to be torn down. It was an $8 to $10 million loss, but also an opportunity.

"It's actually an exciting project now that we get to kind of redesign that area of the casino," Stewart said.

There are plans to replace the 40,000 square foot facility with a new modern one. It will have 20,000 square feet of additional space, better access to the parking garage and north parking lot at the complex, and more.

"We're looking at a new buffet, which would be a little more modern and current with hard rock, and also an ultra lounge and we're going to reposition the poker room," Stewart said.

What's more, the building, which opened in 1992 as a bingo facility, will better match the quality of the more modern Hard Rock amenities.

"It's an opportunity for us to step it up another notch," Stewart said.

Once the demolition work is finished, construction on the new building could start within 60 days.  Once construction begins, it will take about a year to complete the new facility.