WinStar Casinos


Location:	Thackerville, OK

Building Series:	TITAN® Low Slope

Building Size:	154' wide x 460' long (46.9m x 140.2m)

Application:	Class II Gaming Facility

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The Need

The Chickasaw Nation received approval from the state of Oklahoma to expand their bingo facility. With financial support of MultiMedia Games out of Tulsa, the vision of a larger Class 2 gaming facility became a reality.

The Solution

Summit Structures was awarded the project based on the impressive installation timelines, the cost and flexibility of the structure and their relationship with MultiMedia Games, Inc. Gordon Sjodin, Executive Vice President for MultiMedia, was charged with the task of overseeing the entire construction project. Together with Summit Structures, L.E. Seitz and Associates and the Chickasaw Nation, a definitive statement was made in Native Gaming with the opening of the new WinStar Casinos. Situated on 22 acres of land near Thackerville, Oklahoma, the first phase consisting of a 154' wide x 460' long (46.9m x 140.2m) TITAN® Low Slope facility was completed by Summit Structures in 2002.

Within the first few months of opening the WinStar Casinos, the Chickasaw Nation had to double the size of their parking lot to accommodate the number of visitors. A short time later, based on the demands of WinStar patrons and the positive feedback received from this innovative design, Summit Structures was selected to complete the WinStar expansion. This clearly serves as a testament to the success of the initial WinStar project and confidence existing clients have in Summit Structures' abilities. The additional development of 70,000 sq. feet (6503 m²) doubles the square footage of the casino and is associated with a much larger venture and future investment for Chickasaw Nation.

With the latest expansion, this gaming facility rivals the casinos in neighboring counties and states. "We simply pay attention to our patrons' needs and desires. More space, eateries and gaming devices were needed to supplement the numbers coming into the facility," comments Justin Berst, Marketing Assistant, Chickasaw Enterprises. "WinStar Casinos is under an hour's drive north of the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex on I-35. The large structure encompasses a total of 140,000 square feet of gaming space. It houses three themed casinos, an event center, three restaurants and a grill, off-track betting parlor and high-stakes bingo area. Games include blackjack, poker and a variety of over 2,200 electronic bingo machines."

The Project

The structure itself incorporates both cutting-edge building materials and an interior volume designed for energy efficiency. The robust Series 4 TITAN® Low Slope frame reduces interior volume considerably, thereby decreasing demand on the air conditioning and ventilation systems.

With the help and expertise of Summit's in-house design and engineering teams, the tribe was able to design a completely unique structure that transitions from the original 154' wide (46.9m) TITAN® Low Slope structure to the soaring 175' wide (53.3m) TITAN® and then back down to the 165' wide (50.2m) TITAN® Low Slope. Not only did Summit Structures specifically design transition panels for the integration of a variety of building profiles, but the professionals at Summit Structures also created a 30-degree bend in the building in order to meet specific requirements and ensure the building ran parallel to the highway in order to clearly advertise itself to passersby.

The Details

For the exterior fabric membrane, the tribe chose Summit's DuraWeave® FR fabric membrane incorporating green, blue and tan into the color scheme. The fabric allows them to mainain a diverse color scheme that attracts attention from potential patrons driving by on the I-35. Within the structure, the tribe created an effective atmosphere by utilizing a flat black PVC liner to provide an interior seal for the insulation package; the liner also serves to create the ideal backdrop for the dazzling fixtures and accessories.

The initial phase and expansion were conceptualized and designed by L.E. Seitz and Associates of Miami, Florida. The facility features an impressive layout combining three separately themed casinos. Gaming patrons can choose between the excitement of the circus-themed, Center Ring Casino, the fiesta atmosphere of the Mariachi Casino or the high class royalty feel of the Palace Casino. Located at the south end of the structure, the Chickasaw Nation developed an alternative show theatre more than double the 600- person capacity of their old theatre - with flexible seating to accommodate boxing matches and other sporting events. In conjunction with the restaurants, intricate detail and additional venues, the WinStar Casinos have all the amenities and more of a Vegasstyle casino.

Customer Feedback

"Patrons are usually in awe of the sheer size of the structure and its non-traditional 'casino-like' appearance on the outside; however, once they step into one of the main entrances, they are transported into exteriors reminiscent of Vegas-style casinos. The exterior is accentuated by colored bands, which run the length of the building making it a magnet for the eye. Inside, the interior is much like that of a regular permanent structure with wall, dropped ceilings and unique features," says Berst. "We are pleased with the structure's endurance and flexibility."

"In gaming, where time really is money, a single day of lost business represents significant lost revenues to the customer and to our investors. I want to tell you how happy we are with our newly formed relationship with Summit Structures. We wanted the company who was selling us the structure to be the ones installing the structure. The sooner we can open the doors to gaming patrons; the sooner cash flow can be generated." Gordon Sjodin, Executive Vice President - MGAM

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