Hard Rock International has commenced construction plans for a temporary casino in the Virginian city of Bristol, as the gaming and entertainment operator looks to drive economic growth through the region.
The development of a temporary entity, says hard Rock, strengthens the group’s presence and commitment to Bristol, and represents its “first major milestone” in the area.
The casino boasts approximately 30,000 square feet of casino space, featuring approximately 900 gaming slots and 20 tables for a variety of gaming options. The space will include a main casino floor as well as non-smoking and high limit gaming areas.
Furthermore, guests will also be able to access a restaurant, grab and go food outlet, and sports bar and lounge with entertainment, along with an adjacent smoking sports area.
Through its multiple gaming offerings, amenities and services including a sportsbook, Virginia lottery offices and a retail store, Hard Rock’s temporary casino will create 600 new jobs in Bristol, and is slated to open before the end of the second quarter of 2022.
“We’ve introduced the Hard Rock experience to a number of cities this year, and our presence in Bristol, Virginia, is especially rewarding for the brand as the project is our first hotel & casino in the state,” says Jon Lucas, chief operating officer of Hard Rock International.
“The project will spur economic growth, additional tax revenue and create new jobs for the city and its surrounding areas. We look forward to welcoming Hard Rock fans in the new year.”
Earlier this week, Rush Street Gaming held an official groundbreaking ceremony to launch the construction of its Virginia-based £300m Rivers Casino Portsmouth complex.
The decision to permit casino gaming was made after gaining the approval of voters in a series of November 2020 referendums, with the nod also given in Norfolk and Danville. Operating partners on those developments are the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Caesars Entertainment, respectively.
Last month, a proposal for a fifth proposed project collapsed after residents in the Virginian capital of Richmond rejected the development of Urban One’s $565m One Casino + Resort.