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DURANT – The Choctaw Grand Theater inside Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant was nominated for the Academy of Country Music’s “Casino of the Year – Theater” award. 
The Choctaw Grand Theater has been eligible three times in the past – as theaters can only be nominated every other year – and has taken home the award each time. The theater’s last win was in 2024, and it also won in 2021 and 2018.
Established in 1966, the Academy of Country Music Awards is the longest-running Country Music awards show. This year’s show will take place on Sunday, May 17 in Las Vegas.
“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by the Academy of Country Music,” said Jeff Penz, senior director of casino operations at Choctaw Casinos & Resorts – Durant. “The Choctaw Grand Theater has become a can’t-miss entertainment destination loved by artists and fans alike, and we’re energized to keep raising the bar with unforgettable performances and next-level experiences.”
The Grand Theater is a 3,000-seat venue that draws crowds from across the country for top-notch performances from big names and exciting up-and-comers. No matter where fans sit, they’re less than 50 yards from their favorite performer, meaning there are no bad seats.
The Choctaw Grand Theater is also home to the Choctaw Music Fest, which was launched in 2024 and has featured mega stars Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley. The three-day event in the fall highlights dozens of acts across multiple stages and has quickly become a must-attend event. The 2026 lineup for the Choctaw Music Fest will be announced later this summer.
Exciting acts scheduled for 2026 include: 2024 ACM New Artist of the Year Zach Top, 13-time ACM winner Rascal Flatts and eight-time ACM winner Eric Church.
With a sprawling resort right outside the doors, music lovers can enjoy not just a night, but a whole weekend of fun featuring over 20 dining options, luxury suites and free, easy-access parking making every show a seamless, stress-free experience.
Other nominees for the Academy of Country Music “Casino of the Year – Theater” award include:
– Golden Nugget Lake Charles, Lake Charles, La.
– Hard Rock Live (in Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood), Davie, Fla.
– Resorts World Theater at Resorts World Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
– The Venue at Thunder Valley in Thunder Valley Casino, Lincoln, Calif.