LEGGETT — The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas and Naskila Casino held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for the future Naskila Casino Resort in Leggett, marking the official start of construction on the planned gaming and entertainment destination.
Tribal leaders, casino executives and project partners gathered at the future resort site along U.S. Highway 59 for the ceremony.
According to information shared during the event, Naskila Casino Resort is planned to open in phases beginning in late 2028.
Current plans for the development include an expanded gaming floor.
Officials said the project is expected to support long-term growth, tourism and economic opportunity for both the Tribe and the surrounding region.
Speakers at the ceremony included Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Tribal Council Chairman Rick Sylestine, Vice Chairwoman Nita Battise, Naskila Casino Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Doug Searle, Owners Representative Matthew Dunnery, and representatives from Yates Construction and JCJ Architecture.
The groundbreaking follows the recent announcement of Naskila Casino Leggett, a temporary gaming facility planned for the future resort site.
According to Naskila Casino, the temporary facility is expected to open later this summer and will operate 24 hours a day. Plans call for approximately 300 electronic gaming machines, smoking and non-smoking gaming areas, a 24-hour dining venue and the Seven Feathers Players Club.
The temporary facility is intended to expand gaming options while development of the permanent resort continues.
The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial turning of dirt at the future resort site, officially marking the beginning of construction on the project.