Hard Rock International’s presence continues to grow with construction plans now underway for a temporary casino in Bristol, Virginia.
The project is expected to bring 600 new jobs into the local area and is slated to have completed construction by the second quarter of 2022.
The temporary facility is to be housed in the old Bristol Mall. A more permanent construction is still in the planning stages. This is the brand’s first foray into the Old Dominion.
The temporary complex will have 30,000 square feet of casino space with 900 slots and 20 tables. There will be a main floor, a non-smoking area as well as an area for high-stakes players. There will be a sportsbook and Virginia lottery offices.
In addition to the gaming offerings, there will be a retail store, a restaurant, the option for takeout food, a sports bar, an entertainment lounge, and an adjacent lounge that allows smoking.
Hard Rock management sees the expansion as a logical step in a year where their domestic footprint has seen considerable growth.
According to group COO, Jon Lucas: “We’ve introduced the Hard Rock experience to a number of cities this year, and our presence in Bristol, Virginia is especially rewarding for the brand as the project is our first hotel and casino in the state.”
He then went on to note the economic benefits the local will accrue as a result of the project: “The project will spur economic growth, additional tax revenue and create new jobs for the city and its surrounding areas. We look forward to welcoming Hard Rock fans in the new year.”