Caesars Virginia has adjusted the date of its grand opening, now slated for December 17 instead of December 12. The announcement, made by Caesars Entertainment, highlighted an array of festivities, including a parade led by NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman and other celebratory events. Meanwhile, Churchill Downs has announced that its Owensboro Racing & Gaming will open in Q1 2025.

The revised schedule includes a ceremonial parade featuring high-performance cars provided by Virginia International Raceway, Kaizen Autosport, and Foreign Cars Italia. The parade will commence at 10:15 a.m. at the intersection of Main and Craghead Street, concluding at the resort’s location. Dennis Rodman, known for his dynamic basketball career with the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls, will serve as the master of ceremonies, according to Virginia Business. Additionally, Rodman will place the first ceremonial wager at Caesars Sportsbook.

Chris Albrecht, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Caesars Virginia, expressed gratitude for the public’s patience with the slight postponement. “We know that there is tremendous excitement for our grand opening, and we appreciate everyone’s patience with this short delay,” Albrecht remarked. He added that the team has been diligently working to ensure a successful launch of the highly anticipated venue.

Opening Day Highlights

Following the parade, remarks from key figures, including Caesars Entertainment executives, representatives from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and local officials, will take place at 11 a.m. at the resort’s entrance. Doors will officially open to the public at noon, inviting guests to explore the expansive 587,000-square-foot facility. The grand opening celebrations will culminate with a spectacular fireworks and drone show at 8 p.m., illuminating the skies over the resort the historic Three Sisters smokestacks in Danville, Virginia.

The venue, which began accepting room reservations for stays starting December 13, has not clarified whether earlier bookings will still be honored.

A Transformative Addition to Virginia’s Gaming Landscape

Caesars Virginia, a $750 million project, is set to become the state’s third permanent casino and the most ambitious in terms of scale and investment. The resort will offer more than 90,000 square feet of gaming space, housing 1,500 slot machines, 79 live-action table games, and a dedicated poker room. Patrons will also enjoy a state-of-the-art sportsbook, multiple dining establishments—including Ramsay’s Kitchen by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay—and a 320-room hotel featuring luxurious amenities such as a full-service spa and pool.

The resort will replace the temporary Danville Casino, which has been operating since May 2023 and has already contributed over $66 million in gaming taxes to state and local governments. Danville residents overwhelmingly supported the casino’s establishment during a 2020 vote, with 69% in favor.

A Look Ahead: Owensboro Racing & Gaming

While Caesars Virginia gears up for its December debut, another highly anticipated project, Owensboro Racing & Gaming, is preparing for a February 12, 2025 opening in Kentucky. This $100 million entertainment complex will feature 600 historical racing machines, a retail sportsbook, and diverse dining options, solidifying its role as a regional entertainment hub.

Operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated, the Owensboro facility aims to generate $125 million annually in regional economic impact while creating 150 permanent jobs, according to the Owensboro Times.