BRISTOL, Virginia— ‘Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock’ held its grand opening in July with a ceremony featuring Hard Rock executives and partners, state and local officials, local community members and business and civic leaders to celebrate Virginia’s newest economic driver – and the state’s first casino.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated the official opening of the Bristol casino, and the signature Hard Rock guitar smashing will occur when the permanent casino opens. As part of the ceremony, Bristol Casino presented a $100,000 donation to the United Way of Bristol TN/VA, from gaming proceeds generated at July 5 and July 7 casino events.
‘Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock’ is a temporary full-service casino, featuring 30,000 square feet of casino space, with 870 slot machines, 21 gaming tables and a sportsbook. The space includes a main casino floor as well as non-smoking and high-limit gaming areas. Guests will also find Mr. Lucky’s, a new restaurant, Brick’d, a brick oven pizza and grab-and-go food outlet, and Bristol Bar, a sports bar and lounge with live entertainment.
“We are excited to open the temporary casino in Bristol,” said Jon Lucas, COO of Hard Rock International. “Hard Rock’s rich and storied music legacy is a perfect fit for Bristol, the ‘Birthplace of Country Music.’ The casino’s gaming and dining amenities will make it a major entertainment destination for residents from across the region.”
Hard Rock expects to open the permanent Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol within two years and “bring the full legendary Hard Rock experience to Bristol,” Lucas added.
The temporary casino has created over 600 new jobs in Bristol and will generate even more jobs when the permanent casino opens. The casino is also expected to generate additional tax revenue for communities across southwest Virginia and increase tourism and visitation spending for local businesses in the Tri-Cities region.
Situated at the site of the former Bristol Mall, ‘Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock’ is located just off Interstate 81 and is open to the public 24/7.
For more information about Hard Rock’s temporary casino in Bristol, Virginia, please visit hardrockhotelcasinobristol.com.
