Prairie Band Casino and Resort patrons line up at the doors while others waited in their vehicles for the facility to re-open at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2020.
6.15.20 | Michelle Simon
Over 100 patrons were ready and waiting to enter Prairie Band Casino and Resort this morning when the property officially re-opened at 9 a.m. Executive team members greeted patrons and offered water until the doors opened. Once inside, the initial rush of guests were cheered by the PBPN Tribal Council, Gaming Commission, PBP Entertainment Board Members and more executive team members. The atmosphere was buzzing as guests were anxious to game.
Tribal dignitaries prepare to greet incoming guests, from left Peggy Houston – PBPN General Manger, Jona Rupnicki – PBPEC BOD, Zach Pahmahmie – PBPN TC Vice Chair, Camilla Chouteau – PBPN TC Secretary, Shirley Trull – PBPN TC, Chago Hale – PBPEC BOD, Joseph Rupnick – PBPN TC Chair, Lisa Wamego – PBPN GC, Raphael Wahwassuck – PBPN TC, Rey Kitchkumme – PBPN GC, Joe Mitchell – PBPN GC, Bill Evans – PBPN TC, Chris Garrow – PBCR Director of Gaming and Bill Marsh – PBCR General Manager.
Guests wondering what to expect will find that much remains the same. The entry process is swift and now includes a quick check for fever and ensuring each patron has a mask. All team members wear masks and drink stations have a designated team member to assist. Within the property any face to face contact points, such as the players club, hotel front desk and cash out cage have been outfitted with plexiglass screens. The casino floor is filled with machines just as before, that have been outfitted with plexiglass barriers and several hand-sanitizer stations located across the gaming floor for guest safety.
The hotel and RV park are fully open for reservations and the Kopi Bar and Embers Bar & Grille are ready to serve patrons. PBCR Gift Shop hours have been adjusted to 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
The Nation Station, adjacent to the casino, has resumed their previous operation hours effective today along with Hot Stuff orders. The Nation Station opens at 6 a.m. every day, closing at 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and Midnight on Friday and Saturdays. The location has new phone numbers available for patrons, they are Nation Station: 785-966-7700 and Hot Stuff Orders: 785-966-7897.
There are currently no details when gaming availability will resume at One Stop, located at 190 Road and Hwy 75.
Extensive progress has been made on the new hotel tower edition at Prairie Band Casino & Resort.
Outside the property, patrons will notice the progress being made on the hotel expansion project. The construction teams were able to maintain workplace safety with respect to Coronavirus concerns and have made major headway on the new hotel tower. The new tower will consist of four stories, for a total of 80 new rooms including suites. Additional amenities included in the build are a luxury spa and an indoor/outdoor pool and fitness center.
Prairie Band Casino and Resort is once again available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.