Hard Rock Bristol has announced the opening week schedule of events, culminating in the July 8 Grand Opening for Virginia’s first casino.
With a healthy Virginia sports betting market in full swing, the commonwealth is also looking forward to the development of casinos in Norfolk, Portsmouth and Danville, after this monumental opening.
A fifth casino could be voted on a second time in Richmond, but likely not this year. Legislators amended and passed a state budget in early June that denied the second referendum vote this year on a proposed casino. Language added to the budget prevents Richmond from holding another referendum on a casino until November 2023.
But Hard Rock Bristol’s plans to open a temporary gambling facility will make it a record-setter in the Virginia market.
The Virginia Lottery Board back in April issued a “facility operator’s license” to Hard Rock Bristol to will open the doors to Virginia's first casino.
Now, with the schedule of the opening week of events, Virginia bettors’ dreams have become a reality.
There are no Virginia online casinos yet, but gaming in the state is becoming more accessible.
Virginia sports betting promo codes from the 13 operators are also available for bettors in the state.
Hard Rock Bristol Schedule
Hard Rock Bristol will boast 30,000 square feet of casino space, featuring approximately 870 gaming slots, 20 tables, a sportsbook for a variety of gaming options and will be open to the public seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
The temporary casino will have a store with Hard Rock merchandise and a display area showcasing the future Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol that is currently under construction.
Preview the Restaurants
- What: Friends & Family Event; Guests can try Mr. Lucky’s and Brick’d restaurants
- When: July 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Where: Bristol Mall – Site of the casino, 500 Gate City Highway
Team Member Rally
- What: Team Member Rally (Open to Media); Guests will enjoy BBQ and a cookout, along with outdoor games and activities and photo op stations
- When: July 6, 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
- Where: Bristol Motor Speedway, 151 Speedway Boulevard
Community Preview
- What: Community Support Event (closed to media); guests will experience live entertainment and be treated to appetizers and dining stations
- When: July 7, 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
- Where: Bristol Mall – Site of the casino, 500 Gate City Highway
Grand Opening of the Temporary Casino
- What: Grand Opening
- When: July 8, 9 a.m.-10 a.m.: Media Walk-Through of Casino; 11 a.m.: Grand Opening Event; 2 p.m.: Casino Doors Open to General Public
- Where: Bristol Mall – Site of the casino, 500 Gate City Highway
Other Casino Projects in Virginia
The opening of the Caesars Virginia resort in Danville in 2023 is "unrealistic" because of the cost, labor shortages and challenges found at the construction site, according to a senior development manager from Caesars Entertainment.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth officials in May announced they have completed the steel framing for their new gaming and entertainment complex in Virginia that is scheduled to open in early 2023.
Finally, plans for a second temporary casino in Virginia moved forward in late May after the Norfolk Planning Commission approved a request from the Pamunkey Tribe to open a gaming facility at Harbor Park.
