News Summary
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has inaugurated the Ischoopa Travel Center in Livingston, marking a key milestone in its economic development. This facility combines gaming and retail, featuring Class II gaming devices, a convenience store, and a fuel station. The travel center, which operates 24/7, aims to create jobs and support local services. It reflects the tribe’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy after the success of Naskila Casino. The opening ceremony included cultural performances, underscoring the significance of this development for the community.
Texas – The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has officially inaugurated the Ischoopa Travel Center on its reservation in Livingston, Texas, marking a significant step forward in the tribe’s economic development efforts. The travel center combines retail operations and gaming, providing new opportunities for economic growth and job creation within the community.
Located on the eastern section of the travel center are 81 Class II gaming devices, enhancing the tribe’s gaming offerings. The facility’s western section features a convenience store that offers a variety of snacks, tobacco products, and food service items. Additionally, the center includes a 12-bay fuel station that provides diesel fuel and is operated in partnership with Sunoco LP. Notably, the travel center operates 24 hours a day, fulfilling a critical need in the local area.
The opening of the Ischoopa Travel Center is a significant development for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, which has been expanding its gaming operations since the launch of Naskila Casino in 2016. Since its inception, Naskila Casino has grown from 365 Class II gaming devices to over 900, demonstrating the tribe’s commitment to diversifying its revenue streams and enhancing community services.
The Ischoopa Travel Center not only adds to the tribe’s gaming operations but also contributes to the local economy by providing additional jobs and services to both tribal members and surrounding residents. The travel center is part of a broader strategy to enhance the tribe’s business portfolio, which already includes Naskila Casino, two cafes, and a gift shop.
During the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, various cultural elements were incorporated, including a performance of the Lord’s Prayer by the tribe’s two princesses. This ceremony was officiated by 1st Chief Donnis Battise and 2nd Chief Herbert Johnson, Jr., highlighting the significance of the occasion for the tribe’s community.
Doug Searle, the General Manager, emphasized the facility’s dual purpose, noting the extensive renovations that were made to improve both the convenience store and gaming area. These enhancements are expected to attract more visitors and make the travel center a destination for locals and tourists alike.
This new facility expands the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe’s efforts in economic growth and community service, allowing it to provide a wider variety of services to the public while also generating revenue to support tribal programs and initiatives. As the tribe continues its journey of economic diversification, the Ischoopa Travel Center stands as a testament to its commitment to growth and sustainability.
Overall, the Ischoopa Travel Center represents a significant advancement in the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe’s vision for a diversified economy, ensuring ongoing support for its members and establishing a commercial hub in Livingston, Texas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Tribal Business News: Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Opens New Travel Center
- Indian Gaming: Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Cuts Ribbon on Ischoopa Travel Center
- CDC Gaming Reports: Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Opens Travel Center with Class II Gaming Devices
- East Texas News: Tribe Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Ischoopa Travel Center
- East Texas News: Ittoyha: Together United
- Wikipedia: Alabama-Coushatta
- Google Search: Alabama Coushatta Tribe
- Google Scholar: Alabama Coushatta Tribe Economic Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Native American
- Google News: Alabama Coushatta Tribe Gaming
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
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