The new River Spirit Casino opened in March 2009 and includes three restaurants, two lounges, a retail shop, and a 300,000-square-foot gaming floor atop an 1,300-car parking garage.
To incorporate elements of the Tribe’s history and culture, Cuningham Group developed the design as a reflection of the river. The elements can be seen as visitors approach the facility—the lit organic structure glows with horizontal elements reminiscent of a riverbank or bluff. The water theme is also evident inside the facility with details such as the river’s water articulated in ceiling elements that use curving, undulating panels and the design of the buffet being reminiscent of the fall harvest along the bank of a creek.
The resulting environment captures the story of the Tribe as well as draws in and entertains guests.