Tonkawa Tribe's HUB expanding to Stillwater

Kay County’s “The HUB” entertainment center is expanding after a few short years outside Tonkawa.

The Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma is collaborating with the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce to develop a cutting-edge 60,000 square-foot HUB facility to be completed by fall 2024, officials said in a news release.

Stillwater’s HUB will boast 16 bowling lanes, four movie theaters, four meeting rooms, an 80-game arcade, a sports bar, 12 indoor/outdoor pickleball courts and a food venue.

The facility aims to “provide a fun and engaging space for the community to gather, connect, and enjoy a wide range of activities,” according to a news release from the Tonkawa Tribe.

"We are proud to partner with the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce to create a family-friendly entertainment destination that will not only enhance the quality of life for our residents but also attract visitors from surrounding areas,” officials said. “The HUB will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and strengthen our sense of community. Together, we are building a brighter future for the Tonkawa Tribe and the entire Stillwater region."

The tribe and the Chamber of Commerce anticipate that the development of The HUB will create numerous job opportunities for residents and have a positive impact on the regional economy.

This project is a step forward in the ongoing collaboration between the tribe and the local business community to promote economic development, tourism and cultural exchange, officials said.

The Tonkawa Tribe will continue to provide updates via its website and official social media channels.

Stillwater boasts a collection of bowling alleys and an AMC movie theater.

By the time Tonkawa’s HUB opened following the pandemic, the facility didn’t have to compete with much in the area.

This will be the facility’s first expansion into a competitive market.