Mark your calendars for November 14th as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol unveils its long-awaited $515 million permanent facility. This grand opening, set to transform the entertainment landscape of Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, will feature none other than country music icon Blake Shelton.

A new era begins in Bristol:

Virginia’s first casino, the temporary Bristol Casino, initially opened on July 8, 2022. Now, after more than two years, the transition to its permanent home is complete. The event, scheduled to start at noon, will not only introduce the expansive 620,000-square-foot casino resort but also promises an electrifying concert by Blake Shelton at the Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, as reported by WJHL.

Jim McGlothlin and Clyde Stacy, pivotal figures behind this venture, shared in a joint statement the profound impact the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol is expected to have. “Opening this facility marks a crucial turning point for Bristol and the surrounding areas. It has already spurred job creation, generated significant tax revenue, and instilled a renewed sense of optimism within the community,” they noted. This project is seen as a beacon of economic revitalization for the region.

The new casino resort boasts nearly 1,500 slot machines, over 50 table games, and a sportsbook. Guests can also enjoy a 303-room hotel and a variety of dining experiences, including the renowned Hard Rock Cafe, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, and YouYu Asian Dining. The facility also houses the Constant Grind coffee and pastry shop and Marketplace, offering diverse culinary delights like Fish & Chicken Co., Brick’d Italian Kitchen and Street Tacos.

A commitment to entertainment and community:

Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer of Hard Rock International, expressed his excitement about integrating the Hard Rock brand with Bristol’s rich musical heritage. “We are thrilled to open the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, tying in perfectly with Bristol’s title as the ‘Birthplace of Country Music.’ This new venue not only enhances the region’s entertainment options but also its economic prospects,” Lucas stated, according to Virginia Business.

The permanent establishment has already made its mark before its official opening, generating $157 million in net gaming revenues during its temporary phase. With more than 3 million visitors, the casino has contributed over $66 million in gaming taxes and donated substantial funds to local nonprofits while also paying out over $260 million in jackpots.

The construction of the new facility was executed by TN Ward and BurWil Construction. In alignment with recent legislative amendments, the project incorporated parts of the temporary facility into the new structure, ensuring compliance with a $300 million minimum capital investment requirement and adhering to a rigorous construction schedule set forth by the Virginia Lottery.