News

DURANT, Okla., (November 1, 2021) – Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SE) and Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant announced today a multi-year partnership. Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant will be the official partner of the Savage Storm athletic department.

“Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant has had a long and proud history of supporting the community and we’re honored to continue that with this sports partnership,” said Jeff Penz, Senior Director of Gaming Operations at Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant. “SE athletics programs have always demonstrated excellence and at Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant, we are thrilled to bring SE students, fans and alumni closer to the sports they love while also offering potential job opportunities.”

With this partnership, is the creation of the Choctaw Student-Athlete Leadership Academy. Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant and Choctaw Nation employees will be invited to the campus to talk to groups of student athletes on a variety of topics such as: employment opportunities, professional development and community leadership.

“This partnership is another great example of how Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant supports the University and our community,” said SE President Dr. Thomas Newsom. “With the creation of this partnership, our athletic department will be able to better promote the success of our student athletes both on and off the field, as well as improve the fan experience at all of our Savage Storm athletic events.”

The partnership becomes the largest of its kind in SE history and will provide Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant with a plethora of branding options, highlighted by new Choctaw logos which will adorn the playing courts in both Bloomer Sullivan Arena and Bloomer Sullivan Gymnasium. In addition, Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant will see new branding at the entrances of SE’s athletic venues along with scoreboard signage. As well as a prominent presence in all the department’s digital and print media.

“The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has always been a great supporter of SE and SE Athletics,” said SE Director of Athletics Keith Baxter. “With Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant becoming our partner, it is truly a game changer.  We are greatly appreciative of the efforts put forth by Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant to make this possible.  The enhanced visibility and presence of the tribe at our venues definitely elevates our facilities.”

The partnership extends across the full breadth of the 12 Savage Storm programs which include football, volleyball and cross country in the spring; men’s and women’s basketball in the winter; baseball, softball, and women’s track and field in the spring; men’s and women’s tennis; men’s golf and rodeo which compete across the entire academic year.

About Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant

Located an hour north of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex lies a AAA Four Diamond resort and entertainment destination in southeastern Oklahoma. Choctaw Casino & Resort–Durant is a three-level convention/entertainment venue offering more than 100,000 square feet of meeting and convention space with seating for more than 3,000. Resort amenities include swimming, shopping, dining, a spa, and the region’s premier entertainment complex, The District, with dining, drinks, 20 bowling lanes, a 70-game arcade, and a state-of-the-art movie theater. In August 2021, a major expansion added the Sky Tower: 21 stories high featuring 1,000 new luxury hotel rooms, 3,300 additional slot machines, table games, a new poker room, new restaurants, bars, movie theaters and three acres of swimming pools. For more information, visit choctawcasinos.com.

About Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University, established in 1909, provides an environment of academic excellence that enables its student body of nearly 5,000 to reach their highest potential. By having personal access to excellent teaching, challenging academic programs, and extracurricular experiences, students will develop skills and habits that promote values for career preparation, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. The University also features The Native American Institute which is dedicated to the support of Native student academic and professional success, tribal partnerships, and community-wide exposure to our region’s Native American heritage. Native American students make up 28 percent of Southeastern’s student population and our University ranks 7th in the nation for graduating Native students.

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