The Poarch Travel Plaza, the newest project of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, was officially opened for business Saturday with a grand opening and ribbon cutting event on site at the Interstate 65 exit 54 location on Jack Springs Road.

Although the plaza held a soft opening on Friday, Aug. 24 and has been operational since that time, Saturday’s event was a chance for the public to spend time getting to know the travel center’s many amenities.

The ribbon cutting ceremony got the day started at 9 a.m. with Tribal Chairman Buford Rolin leading the program. The plaza’s opening activities continued throughout the weekend. On Labor Day, guests were treated to special patron contests and had a chance to take advantage of several activities, including the use of a NASCAR simulator and a chance to see a replica of the No. 22 Shell, Pennzoil Dodge Charger driven by AJ Allmendinger.

During Saturday’s ceremony, Creek Indian Enterprises President Tim Martin thanked the 10,000-square foot, 48-acre site’s general contractor S. Rolin, Inc., as well as special guests Rep. Alan Baker, Atmore City Councilman Webb Nall, CIE Treasurer Connie Naragon and Atmore’s Mayor-elect Jim Staff.