Virginia: Hard Rock's permanent Bristol casino to open its doors November 14

The long-anticipated opening of the permanent Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol is set for November 14, officials confirmed last week. The 620,000-square-foot facility follows the opening of a temporary casino in July 2022. 

Country music superstar Blake Shelton will take the stage as part of the grand celebration. Shelton, best known for his role as a coach on NBC's "The Voice," will perform at the casino’s newly unveiled Hard Rock Live entertainment venue. The grand opening festivities will also feature Hard Rock’s signature "Guitar Smash" ceremony, a symbolic tradition the brand follows at major events.

Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer of Hard Rock International, stated: “Hard Rock’s rich history fits perfectly with Bristol’s distinction as the ‘Birthplace of Country Music.’ With this property, Bristol — and the entire region — have a new major entertainment destination.”

The grand opening represents a major economic investment in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. The $515 million resort will feature almost 1,500 slot machines, more than 50 table games, a sportsbook, a 303-room hotel, and multiple dining options, including the Hard Rock Café. The venue’s indoor entertainment space, Hard Rock Live, will have the capacity to seat over 2,000 people.

Jim McGlothlin, Chairman of The United Co., and Clyde Stacy, President of Par Ventures, were instrumental in bringing the casino project to Bristol. They emphasized the local economic impact in a joint statement: “The opening of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol is such a pivotal milestone for the city of Bristol and our entire Tri-Cities region across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.”

“This project has created new jobs and generated additional tax revenue, serving as an economic engine and bringing hope to our community.”

The Hard Rock Bristol’s temporary casino, which opened in July 2022, has already attracted over 3 million visitors and generated over $66 million in gaming taxes. The temporary facility, located in the former Bristol Mall, includes approximately 900 slot machines, 29 table games, and a sportsbook, along with a restaurant and a sports bar. The success of the interim site has set high expectations for the opening of the permanent facility.

The temporary facility’s closure will coincide with the grand opening of the permanent casino. As the resort transitions to its new home, Hard Rock plans to expand its workforce, aiming to employ up to 1,400 people. Currently, the casino has around 791 employees, and the hiring process for additional positions is already underway.

Despite the significant growth in the region, challenges still remain. The casino’s management team acknowledged that sourcing enough employees and meeting the entertainment expectations of a dynamic market will be ongoing tasks. 

In addition to providing jobs, the casino resort is expected to generate substantial tax revenue and stimulate the local economy by attracting tourists and serving as a catalyst for other regional businesses.