Virginia’s first casino will open the doors to its permanent facility in five short weeks on Nov. 14 at noon.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol is a 620,000-square-foot destination with nearly 1,500 slot machines, more than 50 table games, a sportsbook, a 300-room hotel and multiple dining options.
The facility also will include a 2,000-plus seat Hard Rock Live music venue which country music artist Blake Shelton will christen as part of the celebration.
“We are thrilled to open Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol,” said Jon Lucas, COO of Hard Rock International. “Hard Rock’s rich history fits perfectly with Bristol’s distinction as the ‘Birthplace of Country Music.’ Both the Hard Rock brand and the new hotel & casino are rooted in great music.”
The venue will host a grand opening ceremony featuring the signature Hard Rock Guitar Smash and a concert by Shelton.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol is located at 500 Gate City Highway in Bristol.
In a joint statement, Jim McGlothlin, chairman of The United Company, and Clyde Stacy, president of Par Ventures, shared their perspectives on the opening of the permanent facility.
“The opening of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol is such a pivotal milestone for the city of Bristol and our entire Tri-Cities region across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee,” the statement read. “This project has created new jobs and generated additional tax revenue, serving as an economic engine and bringing hope to our community.”
“I am so proud of everyone who has helped us prepare for the grand opening,” said Allie Evangelista, president, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol. “Our incredible Hard Rock team has worked so hard to reach this milestone moment, and we have been inspired by the amazing support from the Bristol community.”
For more information on Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, visit casino.hardrock.com/bristol.
The temporary facility, Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock, opened in July 2022 at the site of the former Bristol Mall. The Virginia Lottery board approved its operator’s license in April 2022. The opening marked the first casino in Virginia.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth was the second casino to open in Virginia in January 2023. A third casino, operated by Caesars Virginia, plans to open a temporary location in Danville this year.
By the numbers: Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock
- Welcomed more than 3 million guests
- Paid more than $66 million in gaming taxes to the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Donated more than $960,000 to support local community non-profits
- Paid out more than $260 million in jackpots
- Promoted more than 600 team members
- Processed more than 55,000 employment applications
Virginia casino timeline
- October 2024: Hard Rock Bristol, the first casino in Virginia, announces November opening of its permanent facility
- October 2024: City Council approves development certificate for Norfolk casino; groundbreaking expected in 2025; completion likely in 2027
- July 2024: Virginia Lottery approves paperwork for casino in Petersburg; referendum on ballot on Nov. 5; temporary casino would open in 2025 if approved
- January 2024: Virginia General Assembly reviews possible casino in Fairfax County; decision delayed until 2025 legislative session
- November 2023: Richmond Grand Resort and Casino referendum fails
- July 2023: City of Norfolk and Pamunkey Indian Tribe discuss HeadWaters Resort & Casino
- April 2023: Virginia lottery board approves third facility operator’s license for Caesars Virginia in Danville; temporary location opened in May 2023.
- January 2023: Rivers Casino Portsmouth opens second casino in Virginia; first permanent facility to open
- November 2022: Virginia Lottery board approves second casino operator’s license for Rivers Casino Portsmouth
- July 2022: Hard Rock Bristol opens first casino in Virginia at temporary location at former mall
- April 2022: Virginia Lottery board approves first facility operator’s license for Hard Rock Bristol
- November 2021: Voters in Richmond reject casino in referendum
- November 2020: Proposed casinos in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk and Portsmouth approved by voters
- 2019: Virginia General Assembly grants five localities the opportunity to move forward with plans for a potential casino: Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Richmond
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Crystal Graham
