Caesars Danville Expected To Drive Outdoor Adventure Tourism

Caesars Casino Resort Danville is expected to attract up to 2 million tourists annually once it opens. As a result, city officials are banking on outdoor recreation amenities being busier than ever.

The Virginia Tourism Corp. estimates that a majority of travelers visit Southern Virginia to see family and friends. Currently, only 14% come for entertainment.

But once Caesars makes its debut as one of the state’s newest Virginia casinos, those numbers will surely surge.

Caesars to provide Danville surge in tourism

Danville’s new casino resort was initially slated to open in Dec. 2023, but the date was pushed back due to supply chain issues and labor shortages. Now, Caesars is on schedule for a 2024 debut.

Town tourism manager Lisa K. Meriwhether is optimistic about the foot traffic Ceasars will drive:

“We also know that 8% of those visitors enjoy our destination’s outdoor recreation facilities. Once the Caesars resort opens, this will mean more and more visitors enjoying our award-winning 11.5-mile Riverwalk Trail, Dan Daniel Memorial Park and 35-mile Anglers Ridge mountain-biking trails that are rates in the top 10 bike trails in Virginia.”

The Danville area already has ample outdoor amenities to offer guests:

• Ballou Park — tennis courts, a nature trail and a disc golf course
• Dan Daniel Memorial Park — skate park, 400-foot zipline, high-ropes course, sports fields, single-track trails and access to the Riverwalk Trail
• Coates Park and Coates Bark Park
• Evans Park
• Abreu-Grogan Park — boat rentals
• Danville Art Trail
• 25+ neighborhood parks with play equipment

Danville officials are also currently working on development for Riverfront Park, which will sit on four acres of land at Main Street and Memorial Drive. Once completed, the locale will feature a small stage for live entertainment and a grassy seating area for spectators.

What to expect from Caesars Casino Resort

Along with enhancing interest in area attractions, Caesars will also contribute a variety of its own. The casino, which will be located at the Dan River Mills’ Schoolfield site, will ultimately cost $500 million to construct. Patrons can expect a number of amenities at the state-of-the-art casino resort including:

• 1,400 slot machines and table games
• World Series of Poker room with 25 tables
• Caesars Sportsbook
• 500-room hotel inspired by local scenery
• Spa, pool area and fitness center
• Restaurants and bars
• 40,000 square feet of meeting and convention space
• 2,500-seat entertainment venue

Casino tax contributions to benefit Danville

It’s estimated that Caesars will contribute $38 million annually in taxes, which will benefit ongoing efforts to enhance Danville’s infrastructure. City manager Ken Larking says funds from the casino resort will serve multiple functions:

“The city council has made it a priority to invest in neighborhood parks and community parks in Danville. I would anticipate that there will be a focus on creating and enhancing great public spaces like our existing parks, Riverwalk Trail, and through creation of new recreational amenities.”

This casino build will also create an abundance of jobs for regional residents. Caesars ultimately plans to hire 900 construction workers and 1,300 casino employees in order to see this project to fruition.

Thanks to these new initiatives, workers, travelers and Danville alike will all soon be able to profit from the fruits of Caesars’ labors.