Grand Casino Hotel and Resort to reopen

Saturday 16th May 2020

SHAWNEE - Grand Casino Hotel and Resort will reopen to the public on May 22.

The facility in Shawnee has been temporarily closed due to COVID-19 since March 19.

Hours will be limited to 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, and patron capacity in both the casino and hotel will be limited to maintain social distancing until further notice.

FireLake Casino, 15 minutes southeast of Grand Casino, will also reopen on May 22.

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation medical leadership continues to counsel CPN enterprises, including the casinos, on implementing mitigation strategies to protect the public, said Health Services Chief Medical Officer George A. Vascellaro.

"As CPN businesses cautiously reopen, we will continue to be vigilant and do our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19," Vascellaro said. "The safety of CPN staff, customers, and our community remains our utmost concern, and we urge everyone in the facilities to follow all necessary precautions to keep our community healthy."

All gaming employees have taken a special COVID-19 training course provided by CPNHS.

"Our public health experts were ahead of the game in preparing for this in late February, before Oklahoma even had its first confirmed case," said Tribal Chairman John "Rocky" Barrett. "We listened to them when they advised us to temporarily suspend operations in March, and we now trust their guidance on how to protect our staff and customers as we safely reopen this vital job-creating enterprise."

Grand Casino Hotel and Resort is the only geothermal-cooled casino in the state. Geothermal cooling also allows for a complete cycling of new, fresh air every eight minutes, helping reduce the spread of airborne illnesses.

Patrons and staff will complete a screening process before being allowed inside the casino.

CPN will require masks and gloves for all staff members.

Hand sanitizer stations will be available and there will be limited seating in food venues.

All visitors are required to wear face masks, wash their hands and use hand sanitizer. Free face masks will be provided.