The opening of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol marks the beginning of an era, especially since it is only the 2nd permanent casino property to operate in the state of Virginia. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino had a $515 million budget, and it consists of 1,500 slot games, 50 live casino table games, and a Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook. 

Last week marked the grand opening of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol, the latest in Virginia’s casino landscape and the state’s second permanent casino. Located on the border between Virginia and Tennessee, the $515 million resort was inaugurated with Hard Rock’s signature guitar smash ceremony, welcoming the first guests to the 620,000-square-foot entertainment venue.

Virginia’s growing casino scene: a bold vision realized

The arrival of Hard Rock Bristol is part of Virginia’s recent shift toward legalized casino gaming, following legislation in 2020. This legislation designated specific cities for casino licenses, including Bristol, as part of an effort to boost local economies. Two prominent Bristol businessmen, United Co.’s Jim McGlothlin and Par Ventures’ Clyde Stacy, spearheaded the initiative to bring casino-style gaming to Virginia, ending the state’s historical ban on slot machines and table games.

Stacy and McGlothlin found a willing partner in Hard Rock International, and local voters in Bristol overwhelmingly backed the development in November of 2020, with more than 71% supporting the project. Reflecting on the journey, McGlothlin expressed his pride in the venture, calling it a “moonshot” to overturn Virginia’s casino gambling ban. Addressing the crowd at the ceremony, he remarked, “I bet if we did the referendum today, we’d get 90% support.” McGlothlin, honored as a “Bristol Living Legend” earlier this year, emphasized the resort’s local impact, noting that the temporary casino’s operation had already generated millions in local tax revenue and created over 1,000 jobs.

Grand opening concert with Blake Shelton

In true Hard Rock style, the Bristol resort embraces music as its central theme. The venue promises a variety of live performances, with headlining acts scheduled throughout the week. Blake Shelton headlined the grand opening in Hard Rock Live, a 2,000-seat venue. The choice of Shelton reflects Bristol’s heritage as the birthplace of country music - a title earned in part due to Fiddlin’ John Carson’s 1923 recording of “Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane” in the town.

The Hard Rock Bristol casino floor features an extensive array of options, including 1,500 slot games, 50 live casino table games, and the sportsbook from Hard Rock Bet. The 303-room hotel showcases a concave design and offers an array of dining options, including Hard Rock’s steak and seafood venue, Council Oak, a Hard Rock Café, and a food hall that features soul food, fried chicken, and a noodle bar.

In line with Hard Rock’s tradition, the hotel showcases music memorabilia from legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, Ozzy Osbourne, and Johnny Cash. Outside, a striking 45-foot-tall guitar stands as an emblem of the resort’s vibrant character.

Virginia’s expanding casino industry

Once one of the most restrictive states for gaming, Virginia is now home to a growing commercial gaming market. Hard Rock Bristol joins the Rivers Casino Portsmouth, which opened in January of 2023 as the state’s first permanent casino. Additional developments are also underway: Caesars Entertainment will debut a casino worth $750 million in Danville next month, while a fourth casino is being constructed in Norfolk. Just last week, Petersburg voters approved a casino resort proposed by The Cordish Companies, known for its Live! Casino properties.

In addition, Churchill Downs recently launched The Rose, a gaming resort in Dumfries that features historical horse racing machines, which resemble slot machines. These developments represent Virginia’s strategic shift toward an inclusive gaming industry and signal the state’s commitment to creating new revenue streams and enhancing economic opportunities.