The Pamunkey Club Temporary Casino Moved To Parking Lot Of Harbor Park

The Pamunkey Indian Tribe plans to open its temporary casino as early as March 2023. But there’s been a shift in the casino’s location.

The tribe has plans to build HeadWaters Resort and Casino in Norfolk, which will take years to construct. So, while that work is underway, the tribe planned a temporary casino inside Harbor Park Stadium.

Harbor Park is home to the Norfolk Tides, which is a AAA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Norfolk staple celebrated its 30th year of operation in April.

The city’s planning commission approved the temporary casino, named The Pamunkey Club. But spokesman Jay Smith said plans for a temporary casino inside the stadium have been revised.

HeadWaters will propose a temporary gaming hall for the east side parking lot of Harbor Park Stadium instead. While Smith is disappointed the original idea didn’t come to fruition, the new gaming hall “will result in an even better customer experience at the new Pamunkey Casino.”

The City of Norfolk and the Virginia Lottery will need to review plans. Both groups have to sign off on the details before construction can begin.

Plans for the Pamunkey Tribe’s HeadWaters Resort and Casino in Norfolk

The Pamunkey Tribe hasn’t set a grand opening date for HeadWaters. But the total cost to build the permanent gaming facility and resort will be $500 million.

The casino will boast 3,000 slot machines along with 150 table games.

Amenities outside the casino include:

• Hotel with over 300 rooms
• A rooftop bar
• Separate rooftop event space
• Infinity pool
• Luxury spa

HeadWaters will sit on 13.4 acres along the Elizabeth River. The casino resort also committed at least $20 million to stabilize the shoreline and fund the Elizabeth River Trail.

Norfolk officials think HeadWaters to be a major draw for tourists in the Mid-Atlantic.

There was initial concern that HeadWaters crowds would draw police resources from other areas. However, HeadWaters anticipates producing 275 casino and resort-related jobs. And 45 jobs are for trained security officers.

In the meantime, residents will have the temporary casino as an option in Harbor Park’s parking lot.