On November 17, Wind Creek Hospitality announced that it has entered into a multi-year partnership with the Chicago Bulls NBA team. Going forward, its Wind Creek Chicago Southland will serve as the team’s official casino-resort.
“As a new brand coming to the Chicagoland market, we believed it was important to establish a name for ourselves and a level of credibility with the local market as quickly as possible,” said Brent Pinkston, chief operating officer of Alabama-based Wind Creek Hospitality, parent of the Chicago Southland property.
“Being a native of the region, I can’t imagine a better way to accomplish that task than to partner with the Bulls organization and introduce ourselves to one of the largest and most loyal fan bases in professional sports,” Pinkston continued. “It lets us enter the market with a huge voice.”
Through the partnership, Wind Creek will collaborate with the Bulls on in-game fan promotions and other entertainment options this year while the casino is under construction, which will expand in future years once the new Wind Creek facility opens its doors to the public in East Hazel Crest & Homewood.
“We are excited to partner with Wind Creek over the next few seasons to bring fans new in-arena competitions, social content and sweepstakes,” says Bulls Vice Present of Business Development Mark Levitt. “This new partnership will support our ongoing efforts to further elevate the gameday experience for Bulls fans at the United Center and across our social platforms.”
Fans who attend games at United Center or watch on local television will begin seeing Wind Creek signage immediately, with additional fan engagement elements to roll out in the coming weeks. Wind Creek Hospitality is owned by the Poarch Creek Band of Creek Indians.
Wind Creek Chicago Southland will feature a 70,000-square-foot casino with 1,350 slot machines and 56 table games, entertainment, dining and a 252-room luxury hotel. It is expected to open in September 2023.
