He’s got a song called “Pour Me a Drink,” and they’ll probably be doing plenty of that when Blake Shelton helps swing open the doors at the new permanent Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol on November 14.
The 620,000-square-foot casino resort is worth roughly $515 million and will feature nearly 1,500 slot machines, over 50 table games and a 303-room hotel.
In a joint statement, Hard Rock, Par Ventures President Clyde Stacy and The United Co. Chairman Jim McGlothlin said, “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 grand opening will feature Shelton, who will perform at the Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, and the signature 'Hard Rock Guitar Smash.'
Temporary Casino Served Bristol Well
The permanent facility will take over for the temporary Bristol Casino, which began operations in July of 2022.
It’s housed in the former Bristol Mall and includes nearly 900 slot machines, 29 table games and a sportsbook.
Since opening, it has attracted over 3 million visitors, earning $157 million in net gaming revenue. It has also paid more than $66 million in gaming taxes to the state, donated over $960,000 to local nonprofits and given out more than $260 million in jackpots, according to a press release.
Although Bristol Casino is Virginia’s first casino, two more casinos have opened since — one in Danville and another in Portsmouth.
Casino Opening Expected to Create Jobs
In addition to creating over 1,200 full-time and part-time jobs and tax revenue, the casino is expected to serve as a catalyst to support other businesses in the region.
It will also cater to smoking and non-smoking patrons alike.
A non-smoking poker area will be constructed inside the casino. It will be closed off from the smoking area and feature higher ceilings.
According to C3 Gaming, smoke-free casinos generate more revenue and outperform competitors that allow smoking.
Work will start after the November 14th grand opening. Hard Rock officials hope the non-smoking area will be finished by January 2025.
