Caesars Virginia officially opens amidst fanfare and long lines, but residents in the community couldn't be happier. The property, which has a total cost of $750 million, is the third casino to open in Virginia, after Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol and Rivers Casino in Portsmouth.

This week, Caesars Entertainment marked a major milestone with the grand opening of Caesars Virginia, a $750 million casino resort in Danville. The state-of-the-art facility has transformed the site of the former Dan River Mills textile campus into an opulent entertainment and gaming destination.

Caesars Virginia's grand opening

The property, which officially opened its doors on Tuesday, becomes the third permanent casino in Virginia, following Rivers Casino in Portsmouth and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol. Caesars Virginia retains a nod to the city's industrial past with the preservation of the Three Sisters smokestacks, a local landmark that symbolizes Danville's historic roots.

Although initially slated for a December 12 opening, the event was rescheduled to December 17, creating eager anticipation among residents and visitors alike. By opening day, hundreds of guests had queued for hours to be among the first to experience the new integrated resort.

"It's beautiful. It's changing the whole city," said Dorothy Walker, a Danville resident, in an interview with CBS7. It's going to be stunning at night when you pass by instead of seeing just a big, old brick building with nothing in it, she continued. "When you walk in, you feel like you're in Las Vegas," said Douglas Whorley, another local guest.

A joint venture with tribal roots

While Caesars Entertainment spearheaded the development, Caesars Virginia is a joint project with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The federally recognized tribe, based in North Carolina, has a long-standing partnership with Caesars, which operates the tribe's Harrah's Cherokee properties in Cherokee and Murphy.

Chief Michell Hicks of the EBCI emphasized the positive economic and social impact of the new resort. "The grand opening of Caesars Virginia in Danville marks another proud moment of our partnership with Caesars. It reflects the EBCI's commitment to economic growth, job creation, and community investment," Hicks stated. "We're honored to be part of an effort that creates lasting opportunities for the people of Danville and the surrounding region."

World-class amenities and attractions

The expansive resort boasts 90,000 square feet of gaming space, featuring 1,500 slot machines, a total of 79 live dealer table games, a World Series of Poker Room, 48 electronic table games, and a Sportsbook. Beyond gaming, the resort offers 320 luxury hotel rooms, 50,000 square feet of meeting space, along with a theater that seats 2,500.

Guests can also indulge in premium amenities, including a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a diverse culinary lineup. Highlights include Ramsay's Kitchen, helmed by Michelin-starred celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, and the Asian-inspired Dan Dan Noodle. Other options include Three Smokes, an American-themed eatery, and the 500 Block Food Hall, created by local restaurateur Steve Parry.

Star-studded opening ceremonies

Caesars Virginia's grand opening was a spectacle, headlined by five-time champion Dennis Rodman, who served as the master of ceremonies. The celebrations began with a parade of high-performance race and supercars from the Virginia International Raceway, Foreign Cars Italia, and Kaizen Autosport.

Upon arriving at the casino, Rodman placed the first sports bet - a $100 parlay on all the five NBA teams he was in. The festivities concluded with a dazzling fireworks and drone show that lit up the Danville sky.

Economic impact

The opening of Caesars Virginia is expected to be a game-changer for Danville's economy. The city is projected to earn $35 million to $40 million per year from the resort, with revenue streams including a 6.5% share of the casino’s gross gaming revenue and taxes on hotel stays, dining, entertainment, and other amenities. Local officials and residents are optimistic about the long-term benefits. Aside from its immediate economic impact, Caesars Virginia is seen as a facilitator for revitalizing Danville, turning the once-industrial city into a hub for tourism and entertainment.