The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol will open later this year; not in July as originally planned.
“Instead of opening the permanent casino in stages beginning in July, the partnership team prefers to have a grand opening with a fully operational casino and amenities for an overall better guest experience,” Hard Rock said in a written statement announcing the decision.
Virginia lawmakers recently passed legislation that allows gaming operators an additional six months for building projects if they have a temporary casino in place. Hard Rock, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, has had a temporary Virginia casino in Bristol since mid-2022.
The company went on to say that they “are eager to unveil the new resort, [but] this extension allows us time to ensure the finished product exceeds the expectations of our guests and the community.”
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will bring baccarat, buffets, and beds to Bristol
When Hard Rock broke ground on the first Virginia casino resort in December 2022, the development projected to take roughly 20 months. That estimate may still play out as the phased launch for gaming beginning in July shifts to late 2024. Now, the company says a full-scale grand opening will take place in the second half of this year.
The new casino is being developed on land that formerly hosted the Bristol Mall. That landscape’s new profile has taken shape: The resort hotel tower has gone up, featuring 300 rooms, a conference area, and at least three restaurants.
Hard Rock Bristol will be the first expansive casino resort in Bristol and, in fact, in the entire western part of the state. As part of a $550 million development, it will offer 1,500 slot machines and 75 table games.
