Cherokee Nation Businesses has announced a partnership with Legends, the global planning, sales and hospitality firm, to deliver a gaming and entertainment complex consistent with other venues within the Legends portfolio in Arkansas. Legends will manage the process for the design and development of the complex, conceive the culinary experience and help CNB to monetize the guest experience for non-gaming attractions.

Legends was founded in 2008 through a joint venture between Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. Through this relationship, the organizations will identify unique and innovative ways to elevate the guest experience and overall offerings for the proposed project.

The project will be completed in phases, the first of which includes Legends’ designs and elements for the casino, hotel and curated culinary experience. Phase two will focus on incorporating lifestyle and entertainment amenities, with an emphasis on creating family-friendly entertainment options. The final phase will include additional retail, dining and hotel concepts.

Stephen Jones, executive vice president, CEO and director of Player Personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, said: “We are excited to have Legends involved in the process. It is very important to us because of the family history and connection we have to Arkansas. Legends was founded on the principle of creating a superior guest experience during game day, and we look forward to bringing that expertise to the state of Arkansas.”

“Entering into this partnership with the globally recognized team at Legends is a game-changer,” said Shawn Slaton, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses. “They bring a wealth of experience having worked with premier venues across professional sports, live events and collegiate partners, including the University of Arkansas, AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Ultimate Fighting Championship and Live Nation amphitheaters. We are committed to earning the letters of support from local elected officials and look forward to unveiling our plans to the community in the near future.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to bring our proven expertise in collaboration with CNB to create a truly world-class entertainment destination that offers an unmatched experience for guests of all ages and will create positive economic impact to benefit the entire community,” said Bill Rhoda, president of Legends Global Planning.