Country Crossing
Country Crossing Country Crossing is a mega country music entertainment center with an electronic bingo component, first approved by the Houston County Commission in February 2008. Billed as a tourist destination by developer Ronnie Gilley of Enterprise, the $87 million project is being built in stages with the first venues opening in December 2009.
The development currently consists of three country music-themed restaurants tied to entertainers Darryl Worley, John Anderson and Lorrie Morgan; a 1,703-machine electronic bingo complex; an outdoor amphitheatre; a fairgrounds; a bed and breakfast branded and franchised by singer George Jones; and an RV park.
Phase I continues in 2010 with the construction of two branded hotels, with a shared water feature, and the Randy Owen Family Entertainment Center, to include a stage for weekly concerts, putt-putt golf, bowling, an arcade and other attractions.
Court rejects appeal from Country Crossing bondholders
A federal appeals court affirmed a lower court ruling that dismissed a claim from the primary owners of the Country Crossing bonds, stating the bondholder isn’t owed a hearing on the legality of electronic bingo machines before the machines are actually seized.
Top 10 of 2011: #2 - Gilley pleads to conspiracy, bribery
Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley said he began formulating his project with the best of intentions. He said he wanted people to come to southeast Alabama for entertainment instead of southeast Alabama having to find entertainment elsewhere.
Lord Abbett suit against task force still alive on appeal
A lawsuit against former Gov. Bob Riley and his task force on illegal gambling filed by the investment fund that owns Country Crossing bond money remains alive in federal appeals court, almost a year after a federal district court judge dismissed the suit.
Landowner forecloses on former Country Crossing land
Just more than three years after the developers of the old Country Crossing complex obtained 375 acres to locate its project, a local company has decided to foreclose on the land.
Judge: Former Gov. Bob Riley must testify if called in bingo corruption retrial
Monday afternoon, U.S. Magistrate Judge Wallace Capel, Jr. denied motions from Riley's attorneys to quash his subpoena, meaning the former governor could take the stand some time during the second trial, set to begin Jan. 30.
Bingo defense: Government failed to prove case
One defense attorney in the bingo corruption trial argued to the jury during closing arguments that Osama Bin Laden could not be convicted if Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley was the lone witness.
Tougher Alabama DUI law coming soon
While prosecutors and defense attorneys agree there could be some benefit to changes in a stiffer driving under the influence law that warrants more jail time and enforcement, some officials are at odds on whether the changes are worth the expense.
Attorney suggests Massey, Gilley split from McGregor
The attorney for Milton McGregor suggested Wednesday that lobbyist Jarrod Massey and Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley became so desperate to secure the passage of pro-gambling legislation last year, they parted ways with McGregor and sought to bribe legislators.
Center Stage Alabama bingo profits go to charity
Just after midday Deontae Burney was up about $10 cash. Burney, 31, of Dothan, went to the bingo hall at Center Stage Alabama Wednesday with his mother, who was visiting from Tuskegee.
Prosecution: Records boost Gilley testimony
The prosecution in the bingo corruption trial introduced phone records it believes bolsters earlier testimony of Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley.
Center Stage Alabama opens with 450 jobs
Just a few hours before doors opened to the public on Friday afternoon, a step ladder stretched toward the ceiling and the sound of vacuum cleaners and power tools could be heard at Center Stage Alabama.
First customers line up for Center Stage
Sara Wise wanted to be one of the first ones near the doors of Center Stage when it opened at 4 p.m. Friday, so she said she arrived at the venue at 11 a.m.
Defense: McGregor's actions did not portray guilt
Attorneys for nine defendants accused of conspiracy and bribery attempted to drive a wedge between the actions of those who have pleaded guilty in the case and those who remain on trial.
NFL looking into players' Country Crossing investment
The NFL is investigating the reported investment by at least 25 NFL players in Country Crossing, a business venture that might have run afoul of league rules.
State agents seize 700 machines at Greene County gambling centers
Attorney General Luther Strange announced Wednesday that more than 700 machines have been seized from two gambling facilities in Greene County.
Interview with John Tyson
Watch the Editorial Board's interview with John Tyson, commander of Gov. Bob Riley's Task Force on Illegal Gambling.
Deal of the Day
Advertisement
Latest Videos
Advertisement
Popular Topics
Advertisement
