Hard Rock Dignitaries Break Ground On Full Casino Next Week

Written By Russ Mitchell on December 2, 2022 - Last Updated on August 1, 2023
Hard Rock Bristol will break ground Wednesday, Dec. 7

If Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock is an ante, the all-in bet begins Wednesday as Hard Rock dignitaries in Bristol break ground on its full Virginia casino.

Remarks and the use of golden shovels with get the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol project started at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7. Local business and city leaders will join Hard Rock executives at the ceremony.

Since the permanent casino is an active construction site, Hard Rock said it will break ground in front of invited guests and media only. The list includes Bristol Mayor Anthony Farnum and Hard Rock International COO Jon Lucas. They plan to answer questions at the conclusion of the event.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol is located at 500 Gate City Hwy. in Bristol.

After they break ground, look for a $500 million project in Bristol

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol is going up at a cost of $500 million. President Allie Evangelista recently told PlayVirginia the amount could be a starting point. More features could be added. In the meantime, for the permanent site include 700 hotel rooms, making it a future destination resort:

  • 100,000+ sq. ft.-casino
  • Almost 30,000 slots
  • 100 table games
  • 20,000-seat, outdoor live-music venue
  • 3,200-seat amphitheater
  • retail shops
  • spa
  • pool

Bristol Casino — Future Home of Hard Rock debuted as scheduled with a grand opening ceremony on July 8.

Housed in the former Belk department store of the old Bristol Mall, the temporary casino site is about one-third of the expected size of the permanent structure.

The grand opening of the permanent site is about a year and a half away. But, players who visit the temporary site can enjoy:

  • 30,000 square feet of gaming space
  • 870 slots
  • 21 tables
  • sportsbook
  • sports bar and lounge with entertainment

The temporary casino in Bristol generated more than $14.1 million in its most recent reporting month. October marked the fourth report issued by the Virginia Lottery.

Bristol Casino’s revenue so far:

  • July (opened on 7/8) — $11,717,478
  • August — $14,279,379
  • September — $14,305,177
  • October — $14,144,160
  • Total — $54,446,194

 

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Russ Mitchell

Russ Mitchell covered news and sports in Iowa since 1997, including 11 years as managing editor for one of the most decorated community newspapers in the state. He joined PlayIA as a lead writer and managing editor in 2021. He anxious to explore the growing Virginia gaming industry.

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