Groundbreaking Marks Next Phase At $500 Million Hard Rock Casino Bristol

Representatives in Virginia broke ground at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, with the ceremony preceding the addition of more slot machines.

Bristol’s Casino President Allie Evangelista expressed her enthusiasm for Wednesday’s ceremony, referring to it as a thrilling day for the city.

She stated that the temporary casino has achieved immense success, with guests from all 50 states already being welcomed. She emphasized that the remarkable team members, known for their friendly smiles and can-do attitudes, are crucial to this achievement.

I eagerly anticipate the next phase, which involves the grand opening of our permanent casino in 2024. This milestone will bring a plethora of additional entertainment, dining, and music amenities for our esteemed customers.

According to Jon Lucas, the COO of Hard Rock International, there have been some alterations made to the construction details, as reported by David McGee of the Bristol Herald Courier.

Initially, the developers had intended to preserve the framework of the Sears building at the Bristol Mall site. However, their plan has now changed, as they will demolish both the Sears establishment and a JCPenney area in order to create space for the construction of a hotel and a comprehensive casino.

Lucas informed the reporters that demolishing the Sears building would be a more cost-effective option compared to retrofitting it. He explained that during the process of setting up the temporary facility, they encountered various issues, including the need for complete replacement of pipes.

Think spring 2024 for Hard Rock Casino Bristol plans

When Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol opens in the spring of 2024, visitors can expect to discover approximately 300,000 square feet of gaming space.

• 1,300 slots
• 50 table games
• a sportsbook
• There are various dining choices available, such as the renowned Hard Rock Cafe Council Oak Steaks and Seafood, as well as the Constant Grind.
• a Rock Shop
• The Hard Rock Live is an entertainment venue that specializes in hosting live performances by hard rock artists.
• and authentic music memorabilia.

Lucas expressed that right from the beginning, the economic and community impact of this property has exceeded expectations.

With the continuous progress we have made, and thanks to the immense backing of the Virginia Lottery and the Bristol community, we are prepared to embark on the next phase.

According to Hard Rock representatives, the completion of the permanent casino located at 500 Gate City Hwy will require a workforce of approximately 950 individuals.

Once it opens, approximately 1,200 full- and part-time staff members will be required to be on the payroll.

Temporary casino already pulling in millions

As of the most recent statistics provided by the VA Lottery, the Bristol Casino, soon to be the future home of Hard Rock, officially commenced operations on July 8. The monthly figures for Virginia’s casinos have demonstrated a steady trend.

Bristol Casino has recorded revenue for the past three months as follows:

• August — $14,279,379
• September — $14,305,177
• October — $14,144,160

The temporary location offers a variety of amenities including 870 slot machines, 21 table games, and a sportsbook.

The food and beverage options at this establishment consist of Brick’d, a pizza parlor featuring a brick oven, and Mr. Lucky’s, a convenient grab-and-go eatery. In addition, guests can enjoy the Bristol Bar, a sports bar and lounge that offers live entertainment.