Focusing On Economy, Local Newspaper Urges Bristol Casino Support

The residents of the southwest-Virginia city are being urged by the local newspaper to show their support for the Hard Rock Bristol Hotel and Casino, with the hope that the introduction of a casino can help revive the struggling Bristol economy.

The column from the Bristol Herald Courier editorial board has been titled as “Casino: The Optimal Solution for a Promising Future.”

Supporters of the $400 million project could receive a significant boost from the endorsement.

The approval of the Hard Rock Bristol Hotel and Casino ballot measure can be obtained through the formal voting process on November 3rd during the general election.

New jobs for the Bristol economy

According to the editorial board of the daily newspaper, the casino referendum continues to divide the 18,000 residents of the city. Lawns in the Virginia-Tennessee border city are adorned with signs that read “We’re placing our bets on Bristol” and “Do not risk Bristol’s future with gambling.”

Why does the newspaper support the project?

The editorial board stated that the detractors should reconsider due to the significant financial benefits.

Can Bristol afford to pass up this opportunity, considering that the project is projected to create 2,000 jobs initially, with a combined annual wage of $90 million? Additionally, the city stands to generate $15 million to $20 million in annual tax revenues, not accounting for the significant gaming tax revenue.

Casino can help a struggling Bristol economy

After years of struggle, the Bristol economy is gradually bouncing back.

The challenges encompassed a surge in city debt and an overwhelming burden on its education system. Moreover, the region was severely impacted by the collapse of the coal industry and US manufacturing, resulting in a surge of poverty, unemployment, drug addiction, crime rates, and overcrowded jails.

Bristol, both in Tennessee and Virginia, have a shared name and border, creating a sense of unity. Visitors would observe that these two cities often appear and feel interconnected, as they even share essential facilities like a city library, water system, and emergency medical services. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that Bristol, Virginia has faced considerable financial challenges compared to its Tennessee counterpart.

Virginia’s unique struggle stems from the fact that it is the sole state in the nation where cities operate as independent entities. Unlike Tennessee’s Bristol, Virginia’s Bristol operates separately from the county and lacks resource-sharing capabilities.

Despite Bristol, VA’s concerted efforts to improve its economy, the COVID-19 pandemic struck just as significant changes were being implemented.

In its endorsement of the Bristol casino, the editorial board of the Bristol Herald Courier expressed the following viewpoint:

Bristol is facing financial challenges that are unrelated to the country’s overall recession. These include aging infrastructure and declining revenue due to people moving away from the area. The project presents a unique opportunity for Bristol to improve its situation. It is expected to generate millions of dollars in new revenue and attract attention from out-of-town visitors, which will greatly benefit the city.

Impact of Hard Rock Bristol

The Hard Rock Bristol Hotel and Casino will include a spacious casino area spanning 100,000 square feet, along with 600 hotel rooms, a state-of-the-art sportsbook occupying 25,000 square feet, conference facilities, and an array of 50 retail shops and restaurants.

In order to accommodate the resort, plans are underway to renovate the former Bristol Mall, which has been a source of displeasure for locals due to its abandoned state.

Bristol could leverage the Hard Rock brand to embrace and honor its vibrant music heritage, becoming a prominent tourist attraction for devoted country-music enthusiasts.

Officials stated that in addition to the initial jobs with an average salary of $46,500, there is potential for further job growth. The total number of Hard Rock Bristol jobs could reach 5,200 within seven years after the project is completed.

According to the editorial board of the newspaper,

“By approving this initiative, we can generate tax revenues that will effectively address long-standing challenges faced by our community. Additionally, the implementation of this initiative will create thousands of new job opportunities, breathe new life into our schools and neighborhoods, and stimulate a positive economic impact by attracting more businesses and tourists. We strongly encourage residents to reflect upon the abundant opportunities that lie ahead and cast their vote in favor of this initiative.”

On November 3, the general election ballot in Virginia will feature referendums for four out of five proposed casinos. Following the legalization of sports betting in July, three of these Virginia casinos will also offer sportsbooks.