New Venue Marks Major Milestone for Bristol, Offering Gaming, Entertainment, and Dining
Hard Rock International’s latest venture in Virginia, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol, officially opened its doors last week with a spectacular grand opening ceremony. This new venue blends gaming, luxury accommodations, live entertainment, and fine dining, bringing a fresh wave of excitement to the region.
Grand Opening Celebrations and Star-Studded Performances
The grand opening of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol was a star-studded event. Taking place on November 14, the venue kicked off its celebrations with a traditional guitar smash ceremony, a signature Hard Rock moment. The event attracted local leaders, businesses, and community members, all eager to witness the debut of the new facility.
Adding to the excitement, two major live performances were held during the opening week. Country music star Blake Shelton performed on Thursday, followed by an energetic show by Soul Asylum on Saturday. These concerts highlighted the venue’s commitment to providing world-class entertainment in line with Hard Rock’s global reputation.
From Temporary Facility to Permanent Destination
Before the grand opening of the permanent facility, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol operated from a temporary venue, known as Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock. From its opening in July 2022 until November 11, 2024, the temporary casino welcomed over 3 million guests and generated nearly $1 million in donations to nonprofit organizations. Additionally, it contributed $68 million in taxes to Virginia and paid out over $262 million in jackpots, setting the stage for the grand transformation.
Now, with the permanent facility open, the casino boasts over 50 table games, nearly 1,500 slot machines, and a state-of-the-art sportsbook. Guests can also enjoy over 300 luxury hotel rooms, seven unique dining outlets, and the famous Hard Rock Cafe. A standout feature of the venue is Hard Rock Live, a 2,000-seat entertainment space designed for concerts and events, complete with a Rock Shop and authentic music memorabilia.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The development of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol has already had a significant impact on the local economy. The construction of the venue created between 900 and 1,000 temporary jobs, and the casino is expected to generate more than 1,400 full-time and part-time positions once it is fully operational. These jobs will provide new career opportunities for local residents and individuals from surrounding areas.
Allie Evangelista, the president of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol, expressed her gratitude to the Bristol community for their support, noting the team’s dedication in preparing for the grand opening. Evangelista highlighted the excitement of merging Hard Rock’s world-class amenities with the legendary hospitality of Bristol.
A Bright Future for Bristol and Hard Rock
Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer of Hard Rock International, emphasized that the opening of the new venue was a significant milestone not only for Hard Rock but also for the community of Bristol, famously known as the “Birthplace of Country Music.” He expressed excitement about bringing world-class gaming, dining, and entertainment options to the area.
With its new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol now open, the region has gained a premier destination for gaming and entertainment, further enhancing its status on the map of vibrant tourism and hospitality in the U.S.
