Following the recurring announcements of prominent casino operator Hard Rock International, the envisioned $400 million Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol facility broke ground Wednesday. Hard Rock International and the Bristol community celebrated the groundbreaking of the permanent casino located at 500 Gate City Highway and scheduled to open in 2024.

The celebration included a symbolic shovel groundbreaking performed by Hard Rock representatives and local community leaders.

Impressive features:

As announced, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol facility will spread on around 300,000 square feet to feature 1,300 slots, 50 table games, a 25,000 sq ft sportsbook, and as many as 50 retail and signature dining outlets, such as Hard Rock Cafe and fine dining restaurant Council Oak Steaks. The operator noted that the facility will also include a convention center, a Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, a Rock Shop, and many more.

Jon Lucas, COO of Hard Rock International, said: ”From the very start, this property’s economic and community impact has surpassed expectations, and we are thrilled to unveil what’s coming next. We are especially grateful to our local partners, Jim McGlothlin and Clyde Stacy, whose vision has made all this possible.”

Comprehensive benefits:

The project is expected to create approximately 900-1,000 construction jobs. Once the permanent location is launched in 2024, the casino is projected to create 1,200 full-time and part-time jobs. In the long term, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol could employ as many as 5,200 people by the end of the next decade to add roughly $1 billion to the local economy.

“This is an exciting day for Bristol,” said Allie Evangelista, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol.  “Our temporary casino has been a tremendous success, and we already have welcomed guests from all 50 states. Our amazing team members – with their friendly smiles and can-do attitudes – are the foundation of this success. ”

Waiting for the 2024 launch:

Evangelista added: “I cannot wait for the next step when we open the permanent casino in 2024 and have even more entertainment, dining, and music amenities to offer our customers.”

In the meantime, guests can visit ‘Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock,’ a temporary casino, fully equipped and boasting 30,000 square feet of casino space. The space features 870 slots, 21 tables, and a sportsbook, as well as the main casino floor and non-smoking and high-limit gaming areas.

Beginning next chapter:

The permanent Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol is expected to open in spring 2024 to bring benefits to both the operator and the local community. At the start of the construction works and waiting for the new launch, Lucas concluded: ”Building on our momentum, and with the incredible support from the Virginia Lottery and the Bristol community, we are ready to begin the next chapter.”