Hard Rock Unveils 3D Model Of Potential Casino In Bristol

Are you struggling to imagine how the Hard Rock Bristol Hotel and Casino will look? Well, the new Bristol casino model will make it easy.

This past week, Hard Rock International and Bristol-area business leaders unveiled an impressive architectural 3D model of the proposed property.

The officials invited residents to check out the Bristol casino model during a three-day period.

They hope an up-close look at the model will encourage voters to pass a referendum on Nov. 3. By doing so, they will green-light the $400 million project.

Bristol casino model at Bristol Mall

The model unveiling took place at the former site of the Bristol Mall.

It was a fitting environment. After all, Hard Rock would build the casino and entertainment complex there.

Bristol residents have long considered the abandoned site an eyesore. In fact, if you look at Google Map’s street view of the site, it’s easy to see why.

WJHL 11 reporter Kaylyn Kluck recently posted pictures from on-site at the Bristol casino model unveiling. As you can see, the project would transform the area:

The Bristol Herald Courier recently penned an editorial in favor of the project. The Kingsport Times-News editorial board from nearby Kingsport, TN, also pledged support for the project. They argued that “the entire Appalachian Highlands” would benefit from the project.

Both newspapers focused on the thousands of jobs the resort would create. They also focused on the potential boon to regional tourism for the Virginia-Tennessee border city. After all, Bristol has a legendary music history.

Hard Rock Bristol Hotel and Casino would have a 100,000-square-feet casino, 600 hotel rooms, 25,000-square-foot sportsbook, conference space, pool, spa, fitness center, and 50 retail shops and restaurants.

It would also have a large 3,200-seat concert venue for live music. Additionally, officials said it could have immersive golf and racing simulators.

Local business leaders/investors Jim McGlothlin and Clyde Stacy are spearheading the project locally. They have boasted about the project’s potential tax revenues – $20 million annually – for the struggling Virginia city.

If voters approve the Bristol casino project, it would likely open in 2023.