Eastern Band of Cherokees, Harrah’s break ground on new entertainment complex

Press release:

CHEROKEE BROKE GROUND ON NEW BOWLING ENTERTAINMENT CENTER COMPLEX

A Joint Venture Between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort

 CHEROKEE, NC – Thursday, July 21, 2016 — A new bowling entertainment center complex will open in late 2017 on the grounds of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Officials and leaders from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, along with officials from Harrah’s Cherokee, broke ground on the Bowling Entertainment Center at the casino resort on Tuesday, July 19. 

“It’s been proven many, many times in business that without growth and without change, business would die,” said Shawn Crowe, an EBCI tribal member who served as the emcee for Tuesday’s event.

Tribal Council passed a resolution in February to build the $13 million Bowling Entertainment Center. The resolution, submitted by Principal Chief Patrick Lambert, has the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians responsible for half or roughly $6.5 million of the price tag with the TCGE (Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise) being responsible for the other half. 

“We’ve all waited a long time for this day,” said Chief Lambert. “Today is a very important day for our Tribe and our casino enterprise. Today, we break ground on a new facility — a new Bowling Center that will serve our people and our casino customers.  This project has been a long time coming, and it will be delivered completely debt-free.” 

The project was initiated by senior bowlers. Annie Owens, an EBCI elder from the Yellowhill Community who is active in the senior games and bowling, commented, “A wonderful day has happened, and I want to extend a great thank you and appreciation to Tribal Council and the Chief [Lambert], a special thank you to Bill Taylor, B. [Ensley] and Tommye [Saunooke] for bringing this forward.  We have our seniors, we have our families, we have our youth, we have our casino guests, people out in the communities that can come and join in and have fun like we do.” 

The 50,000 square foot Center will consist of two floors. The first floor will contain 16 bowling lanes, a food and beverage outlet, and an arcade. The second floor will contain eight bowling lanes, a bar, and a potential food area.

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About Max Hunt
Max Hunt grew up in South (New) Jersey and graduated from Warren Wilson College in 2011. History nerd; art geek; connoisseur of swimming holes, hot peppers, and plaid clothing. Follow me @J_MaxHunt

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