The Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama debuted the million expansion at the former Creek Casino Montgomery casino on December 1. Renamed Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery, the project features a new 65,000 square foot gaming floor with more than 2,200 machines and a non-smoking area, plus BB King’s Blues Club, three restaurants with 10,000 square feet of dining area, a salon and barber shop, retail, deluxe swimming pool and event center.
Later this month the tribe will open a five-story, 123-room upscale hotel, including eight luxury suites.
Regional and tribal officials, Southern culinary specialties from Lucille’s Eatery and live blues music contributed to the grand opening festivities. Tribal Chair Stephanie Bryan said, “I cannot adequately express how proud I feel today, when big plans and big dreams have finally come to fruition. The brick and mortar before us is certainly a milestone for the Poarch Creek Indians, but it also represents a team of people – both tribal and nontribal – who worked together hand-in-hand to reach a common goal.”
Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Martin added, “Wind Creek Casino and Hotel Montgomery is another win for our tribe and our state. It brings to the Montgomery market family friendly entertainment that features the best of the South and celebrates our past while embracing the future.”
The project created more than 1,000 construction jobs and 250 new jobs with an expected annual payroll of $22 million. Jay Dorris, president and chief executive officer of PCI Gaming Authority, which oversees Wind Creek Hospitality, owner and operator of Wind Creek casinos in Wetumpka and Atmore, said, “We are extremely fortunate to have dedicated employees who represent the Wind Creek brand of excellence and service. Wind Creek continues to build economic security for our employees and their families and we are proud to be an economic engine in the State.”
The Montgomery expansion design includes vintage details, such as turn-of-the-century street lamps, reclaimed wooden beams from antique barns, exposed used brick walls and a state-of-the-art overhead lighting system with 25,000 bulbs that continually change colors. Large hand-painted murals honor BB King and Beale Street blues. In fact, BB King’s Blues Club features numerous authentic mementos from the original BB King Blues Club on Beale Street in Memphis. Live music will be offered nightly.
Joining the casual Lucille’s Eatery, named for BB King’s beloved guitar, the upscale Itta Bena restaurant will offer a 1920s speakeasy décor complete with a secret backdoor entrance. The Atmore and Wetumpka both have received the prestigious AAA Diamond rating. Wind Creek Casino Montgomery General Manager Jake Carlton said he expects the newly expanded facility also will earn that rating. “When people walk in the doors here, the first thing they do is smile. Our customers will be treated to a truly unique experience here, from the look to the service to the music. Our guests get to experience the best of everything in their hometown casino here at Wind Creek Montgomery. We aim to be the best.”
