Caesars Entertainment has celebrated the grand opening of its highly anticipated Caesars Virginia resort in Danville, marking a significant milestone for the community. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Caesars Entertainment executives, local leaders, and hundreds of community members, highlighting the transformation of the former Brownfield site into a world-class destination.

Caesars Virginia officially opens its doors:

The ceremony began with a parade showcasing luxury and race cars supplied by Virginia International Raceway, Kaizen Autosport, and Foreign Cars Italia. Former NBA star Dennis Rodman served as the parade’s master of ceremonies, joining Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones and other dignitaries in leading the festivities. The parade culminated at the newly constructed resort, where Rodman placed the first ceremonial bet in the state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, wagering on a parlay involving the teams he played for during his NBA career.

The 587,000-square-foot Caesars Virginia complex offers a variety of gaming, dining, and entertainment options. Its 90,000-square-foot gaming floor features nearly 1,500 slot machines, 79 table games, 48 electronic table games, and a WSOP poker room. The venue also boasts a 320-room luxury hotel, 50,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, a full-service spa, and diverse dining options, including Gordon Ramsay’s Ramsay’s Kitchen and local food favorites.

“This beautiful destination encompasses what the Caesars brand is all about,” stated Anthony Carano, President and COO of Caesars Entertainment. “From exceptional restaurants, high-energy gaming, and exciting entertainment, Caesars Virginia has it all. The fantastic amenities coupled with the Family Style Service Caesars is known for make for a world-class destination we know our guests and the community will love.”

Chris Albrecht, the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Caesars Virginia, praised the project’s collaborative efforts. “We couldn’t have done it without the support of our partners, team members, and the Danville community,” he said in the company’s press release. “This has been an impressive development project to see come together over the past couple of years, and we couldn’t be prouder to finally open the doors of this beautiful destination.”

Economic impact and community benefits:

Danville officials anticipate the casino will significantly boost the local economy. Since opening its temporary casino last May, Caesars Virginia has already generated $29 million in revenue, with the permanent facility expected to contribute $32 million annually in gaming taxes and additional income. City Manager Ken Larking highlighted how these funds will benefit community projects, including school improvements, workforce development, and enhancing the city’s quality of life.

“It’s been amazing to watch this transformation,” Larking said. “The resources generated by the casino will help improve the lives of people here in Danville by funding projects that make this community a better place to live.”

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Chief Michell Hicks emphasized the positive outcomes of the partnership between Caesars and the tribe. “The grand opening of Caesars Virginia in Danville marks another proud moment of our partnership with Caesars. It reflects the EBCI’s commitment to economic growth, job creation, and community investment,” Hicks said.

The opening ceremony concluded with a dazzling fireworks and drone show by Grucci, adding an exclamation point to a day full of celebration and anticipation. With its luxury amenities and potential for economic growth, Caesars Virginia is poised to become a cornerstone of Danville’s development and a major attraction for visitors.