Summary:
- The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol has announced the opening of its permanent casino on November 14.
- Country music star Blake Shelton to headline the $515m venue.
- The 620,000-square-foot resort at 500 Gate City Highway will be Virginia’s first casino.
According to an announcement made by the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol team on Wednesday, celebrations marking the grand opening of their new $515 million permanent facility in Virginia will take place at noon on November 14.
Country music star Blake Shelton will be headlining the event. The singer-songwriter and television personality who found mainstream success as a coach on the TV series The Voice will perform at the new Hard Rock Live entertainment venue as part of the festivities.
The event marks the debut of Virginia’s first casino.
“Hard Rock Guitar Smash” Ceremony
The ceremony will also host the iconic “Hard Rock Guitar Smash” ceremony, a tradition for the brand that marks the christening of grand openings across the US.
Jon Lucas, chief operating officer of Hard Rock International, expressed the company’s excitement about the new opening, emphasizing that
Hard Rock’s rich history fits perfectly with Bristol’s distinction as the ‘Birthplace of Country Music‘
The CEO added both the Hard Rock brand and the new hotel and casino have roots in “great music”, further highlighting the alignment between the Hard Rock’s musical heritage and Bristol’s cultural legacy.
Lucas also took the opportunity to express their thrill for opening a permanent Bristol site following more than two years of temporary digs.
1,500 Slot Machines, 50 Table Games, and a Sportsbooks
The new complex sprawling 620,000-square-foot complex at 500 Gate City Highway will feature a wide range of attractions, including nearly 1,500 slot games, over 50 table games, a sportsbook, a 303-room hotel, and a variety of dining options.
The Hard Rock Live venue will seat more than 2,000 people, making it a key destination for concerts and events in the area.
Jim McGlothlin and Clyde Stacy, the local partners who helped bring the casino to Bristol, hailed the opening as
a pivotal milestone for the city of Bristol and our entire Tri-Cities region across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.
The duo also noted that the resort will not only generate new job openings and more tax revenue but will also serve as a powerful catalyst that will drive economic growth in the surrounding area.
During its temporary operation, the casino has already welcomed more than three million guests, paid over $66 million in gaming taxes, and distributed more than $260 million in winnings.
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