Contestants Arrive In Tulsa Ahead Of 70th Annual Miss USA Pageant

They’ve been coming all weekend, but Monday is the main arrival day.

There are 102 contestants representing each state, as well as the District of Columbia, who will be competing in the 70th Annual Miss USA Pageant.

CEO of Muscogee Nation Casinos Pat Crofts says Tulsa was chosen over cities like Nashville, Reno and Las Vegas.

He says the River Spirit Casino Hotel is sold out for the next couple of weeks with contestants and their friends and families, and then media and production crews staying there.

He says there is even an overflow going to nearby hotels.

The casino hosted the Miss Oklahoma Pageant in June, but Crofts says this is a much bigger scale since it is bringing in people from around the country and it’s a nationally televised event.

“It will have a major impact on the community. Not only financially, but reputation-wise. It helps put Tulsa on the map and River Spirit Casino Resort as a destination,” Crofts said.

“We're just really proud to be able to host this Miss USA and Miss Teen USA competition here in Tulsa. I think it means a lot to the region and to the city, and it means a lot to us to be able to do it,” he said.

Prelims are on Friday, Miss Teen USA Finals are Saturday and then Miss USA Finals are next Monday night.