A $250 million hotel and event center at Saracen Casino Resort will open in the fall of 2025, its owners and operators announced Monday.
The Quapaw Nation specified the planned opening date in a news release, adding the addition of the hotel and event center will bring its total investment in Arkansas to more than $500 million. The latest investment adds 400,000 square feet including a 320-room high-end hotel and a 1,600-seat event center to the existing casino building.
“We love Arkansas; it is an important part of our ancestral homeland,” said Wena Supernaw, chair of the Quapaw Nation’s Business Committee. “For the Quapaw Nation to return with something so big and visible is a source of great pride.”
Saracen opened in October 2020 and features 1,700 slot machines, 40 table games, the state’s leading sportsbook (BetSaracen), and Arkansas’ only poker room. In addition, Saracen features the award-winning Red Oak Steakhouse, named Arkansas’ best restaurant for the past three years.
“Saracen’s positive results since opening over four years ago have put us in a position to build this hotel and event center that will set a new standard in the region,” noted General Manager Matt Harkness. “This next phase is happening due to the hard work of the Saracen employees, and the guidance of the Quapaw Nation’s leadership.”
“This second phase provides continued diversification of our offerings, thereby improving the financial strength of our operations” noted Chief Financial Officer Jim Burns.
Chief Market Officer Carlton Saffa observed: “The pair of 300-foot cranes speak for themselves, and from miles away. We are excited and looking forward to expanding our hospitality offerings.”