Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett presented an invitation-only performance at the Paradise Cove theater in the Margaritaville casino in Tulsa, celebrating the completion of the 5 million renovation at the River Spirit Casino Resort on the Arkansas River.
Various parts of the casino-resort have been finished at River Spirit in the past few months. “The whole concept is to build a destination resort. It’s all right here under one roof,” said Pat Crofts, chief executive officer at Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos.
Buffett’s popular, tropical-themed 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar opened in April. In August, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the Margaritaville Casino and Restaurant, featuring a 50,000 square foot gaming floor with 850 slot machines and 27 table games, plus the Margaritaville Restaurant with its well-known volcano and huge blender.
In late December, the 27-story hotel tower opened with 483 rooms, 54 suites, a fitness center, spa, salon, retail stores and business center. Also in late 2016 a convention space opened, which is connected to the hotel. And on January 6, the 2,700-seat Paradise Cove music venue opened, and the first Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Oklahoma opened in the past week. Later this spring the tropical pool deck with a swim-up bar and cabana will be completed.
Buffett last played in Tulsa four years ago at the BOK Center, as sleet and snow fell outside.
