The long-awaited Norfolk casino project is finally moving forward. After an October groundbreaking ceremony, progress has been slow, but construction is now set to begin next month.
Tuesday marked a significant milestone as a new casino officially opened in Danville, signaling the momentum for other Virginia gaming projects. As that project takes off, Norfolk’s plans to build a casino are taking shape as well, with Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe working together to bring this venture to life.
Construction Set to Begin in January
David Strow, Boyd Gaming’s vice president of corporate communications, confirmed that construction will begin soon. “Next month, we should start seeing activity at the site,” he said. After the groundbreaking in October, there had been little visible progress, leaving many wondering when the project would move forward.
Strow reassured the public that the project was still on schedule. “We’ve submitted all of our licensing material with Virginia gaming regulators,” he added. This submission is one of the final steps before construction can truly begin. Now, the team is focused on finalising their site plan with the city of Norfolk.
Though there’s been some confusion about whether construction had officially started, it looks like the pace is about to pick up. While no contractor has been named just yet, Strow explained that the team is currently working on assembling a construction crew and securing bids for services like food and beverage vendors and transportation companies. More details on these plans are expected in the new year.
Norfolk’s Casino Vision and Local Impact
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe, which is working closely with Boyd Gaming, has emphasized the importance of the casino for the tribe’s future. A statement from the tribe’s chief, issued at the groundbreaking ceremony, expressed that the casino is “the next step in providing an opportunity for our Tribe,” highlighting the economic benefits the casino is expected to bring to the area.
Not only will the casino create jobs and boost tourism, but it is also seen as a major investment in Norfolk’s economy. This ambitious project is expected to follow in the footsteps of other successful casinos in the region, such as the Rivers Casino in Portsmouth.
Rivers Casino has been a key player in Hampton Roads’ entertainment scene, attracting visitors from both near and far. Although News 3 attempted to reach Rivers Casino for comment on how they view the impending Norfolk casino, they did not provide a spokesperson. However, a general statement from Rivers Casino’s general manager assured that the company remains committed to offering an exceptional experience and continuing to be a top gaming and entertainment destination in the area.
It’s clear that Norfolk’s casino will aim to rival the success of other nearby gaming hubs. The exact impact on the local economy is still unclear, but local officials and casino leaders are optimistic that it will create substantial job opportunities and attract more visitors to the region.
What’s Next for the Casino in Norfolk?
With the anticipated start of construction in January, Norfolk’s casino project is rapidly gaining momentum. However, much remains to be seen about the specifics of the build, the timeline, and the overall impact on the region. Many are watching to see whether it will live up to the hype, and whether it will follow the path laid by other successful casinos in Virginia.
For now, the focus remains on finalising construction plans, selecting contractors, and putting together a team to manage the various casino services. It’s still early days, but the Norfolk casino could be a significant driver of local growth in the coming years.
As the new year approaches, all eyes will be on Norfolk as construction crews prepare to break ground. The city’s gaming future is starting to take shape, and many are hopeful that it will live up to the excitement surrounding it.
