Casino, Racetrack Reopen At Will Rogers Downs After May Tornado

Big progress has been made at the Will Rogers Downs casino and racetrack after a tornado damaged the area nearly three months ago. The casino is back open and the track will be ready to go when horse racing starts in a couple of weeks.

The finishing touches are still being put on the winner's circle at the track. It has taken a lot of manpower to prepare the arena for Quarter Horse, Appaloosa and Paint Meet racing, which starts Sept. 9 and goes through mid-November.

“We’re very excited for this fall, very thankful to be able to be running,” said Krissy Bamberg, executive director of the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association.

There was worry this day wouldn’t come after a tornado shredded the area over Memorial Day weekend.

“I think we had major concern initially,” said Bamberg. “When you looked at the damage, there was no way you could really fathom that they would have it back so soon.”

Bamberg says there will be fewer stalls available this year, but that is a small price to pay to keep the races going.

“This is the livelihood for our guys,” said Bamberg. “Most of our guys are Oklahomans and want to stay in Oklahoma. So, without Will Rogers running this time of year, they have to go to other states like Louisiana and Texas.”

The Cherokee Nation says it has been a team effort to get the complex fixed up. A ribbon cutting was held for the reopening of the casino.

“We made sure that people continued to get a paycheck,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “I think that’s the most important thing, having them back in what is their work home. It’s a real family here, it’s really special to them.”

The casino received a big makeover after room damage ruined much of the gaming floor. The Cherokee Nation says the KOA campground will remain closed through the fall as repairs continue.