Bristol, VA

Hard Rock International Breaks Ground on Permanent Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Bristol

John M. Dabbs

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=133HxB_0jayffLK00
Groundbreaking ceremonyPhoto byJohn Dabbs/Photographer

Hard Rock officials, VIPs, and the media at the former Bristol Mall site near the old Sears store for the groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, December 7, amid the pouring rain. Hard Rock and the Bristol community celebrated the long-awaited permanent facility's groundbreaking.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4C91uO_0jayffLK00
Marc DeLeo, Randy Eads, Israel O'Quinn, Allie Evangelista, Jon Lucas, Jim McGlothlin, Clyde Stacy, Anthony Farnum, Jasen Eige & Martin KentPhoto byAndy Poarch/Alliance Group Ltd

The celebration included John Lucas, Hard Rock International COO, and Allie Evangelista, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Bristol. Local officials, State legislators, and community leaders also participated. The groundbreaking ceremony was done in "Hard Rock style," using shovels with guitar-like handles.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3WTtZj_0jayffLK00
Photo byJohn Dabbs/Photographer
“From the very start, this property’s economic and community impact has surpassed expectations, and we are thrilled to unveil what’s coming next... We are especially grateful to our local partners, Jim McGlothlin and Clyde Stacy, whose vision has made all this possible.  Building on our momentum, and with the incredible support from the Virginia Lottery and the Bristol community, we are ready to begin the next chapter.” - Jon Lucas, Hard Rock International COO

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol will be approximately 300,000 square feet featuring 1,300 slots, 50 gaming tables, a sports book, and multiple dining options, including their signature Hard Rock Cafe and a fine dining restaurant Council Oak Steaks and Seafood, Constant Grind, a Rock Shop, a Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, authentic music memorabilia, and much more. 

The Hard Rock Hotel will house 200 high-end rooms, complete with a spa, indoor-outdoor pool, and many other amenities. Patrons will enter the casino through the main hotel entrance and pass through the lobby and into the casino.

The project is expected to create nearly 1,000 construction-specific jobs and will be managed by TN Ward of Ardmore, Pennsylvania, and BurWil Construction of Bristol, Tennessee. Once the permanent location opens, the casino is expected to create over 1,200 full-time and part-time jobs. 

“This is an exciting day for Bristol... Our temporary casino has been a tremendous success, and we already have welcomed guests from all 50 states. Our amazing team members – with their friendly smiles and can-do attitudes – are the foundation of this success.  I cannot wait for the next step when we open the permanent casino in 2024 and have even more entertainment, dining, and music amenities to offer our customers.” - Allie Evangelista, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=476Fp7_0jayffLK00
Photo byJohn Dabbs/Photographer

Lucas, Evangelista, and others could answer questions at the press event. Hard Rock officials quickly credit their team, which they refer to as "the band" in Bristol, with their local success. They also credit the service and hospitality of the communities in and around the area with their initial success. They expect even greater things to come when the facility opens in the spring of 2024. Lucas credits Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, with the company's success. Lucas says they are a hospitality company first, not a casino. He says they stay true to their values, emphasizing on:

  • Hospitality
  • World Class Service
  • Food and Beverages
  • Entertainment
  • Gaming

Lucas and Evangelista say the company is about entertainment and partnerships. Lucas says, "We are really working and forming a lot of partnerships to open Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Bristol by spring in 2024.

Read full story in "NewsBreak" App
# hotel# resort# casino# entertainment# business

Comments / 0

Published by

An outdoor enthusiast with a passion for travel and adventure. John is a professional consultant and photojournalist.

Bristol, TN
10K followers

More from John M. Dabbs

Johnson City, TN

ETSU Drag Show Moves Amid Controversial Tennessee Laws on Gender-Affirming Care and Public Performances

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is at the center of a growing controversy over the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Tennessee. The recent passing of two laws banning gender-affirming medical care for minors and prohibiting public drag performances has sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ activists and allies across the state.

Read full story
43 comments
Tennessee State

TWRA Seeks Public Input on Proposed Hunting Regulations for 2023-24 Season

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) seeks public input on the proposed 2023-2024 hunting season regulations. The proposals were presented at the March meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission and are available for review on the TWRA website. The public comment period will be open until April 12, and comments can be submitted via mail or email.

Read full story
3 comments
Johnson City, TN

Protecting Our Communities: Active Shooter Response Course Offered in Johnson City

Training exercise: Active shooterPhoto byPresidio of Montery/Flickr. Johnson City, Tenn. - With the recent shooting at a private school in Nashville, Tennessee, fresh on everyone's minds, the Washington County-Johnson City Emergency Medical Service is taking proactive measures to ensure that first responders in the region are well-equipped to handle any active shooter situation that may arise. As part of this effort, they have teamed up to offer an Active Shooter Response course with EMA at the Holiday Inn at 101 W Springbrook Drive in Johnson City on April 14, 2023.

Read full story

Legendary Women Entrepreneurs of North Dakota: Experience Adventures and Inspiring Businesses

Celebrating Women's History Month in North Dakota. When Women's History Month came around, North Dakota was ready to celebrate the abundance of female entrepreneurs making a significant impact in the state. Visitors and locals alike were invited to meet and support these incredible women who made North Dakota a legendary place to live and play.

Read full story
Bristol, TN

Award-Winning Journalist David McGee Takes the Helm as Local News Editor at Bristol Herald Courier

Award-winning journalist David McGee has been named the local news editor for the Bristol Herald Courier, one of the most respected daily newspapers serving the Tri-Cities area of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The paper, founded in 1865, has a long history of producing high-quality journalism and has won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize in 2010 for Public Service.

Read full story
Bristol, TN

Bristol Paramedic Turns Woodworking Gifts into Stress Reduction Product of Patriotism

Wooden flagPhoto byJames Bardinelli/Patriot Flag Craft. James Bardinelli's love for woodworking has helped him reduce stress and supplement his income. It's also provided him with a sense of fulfillment and purpose. According to a study by the Journal of Positive Psychology, engaging in creative activities like woodworking can lead to greater well-being and increased positive emotions.

Read full story
Bristol, VA

Get Your Bingo Fix and Support a Good Cause at AmVets Bingo Hall in Bristol, Virginia

AmVets Bingo Hall in Bristol, Virginia, has become a popular destination for locals and visitors looking for a fun and exciting night out. Located at 1370 Linden Dr, Suite 12, near Exit 7 off Interstate 81, this bingo hall has been providing entertainment for over a decade.

Read full story
Bristol, TN

Dinosaurs Take Over BMS South Building as Jurassic Quest Returns for a Weekend of Interactive Fun

Jurassic Quest, North America's largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibition, has once again taken over Bristol Motor Speedway for a weekend of interactive fun. This year, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, featuring over 100 true-to-life size dinosaurs from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.

Read full story
1 comments
Tennessee State

Tennessee Valley Authority Teams Up to Advance Small Modular Reactor Technology

Tennessee, like many states across the country, has been grappling with an energy crisis that extreme weather events and an aging energy infrastructure have exacerbated. In recent years, one solution that has gained attention is Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), a new type of nuclear technology used by the US Navy for powering its ships. These compact, scalable reactors offer several advantages over traditional, large-scale nuclear reactors. They have the potential to provide a secure and reliable source of energy for communities and industries in need.

Read full story
Bristol, TN

Bristol Casino, Future Home of Hard Rock, Offers Grand Wagoneer Giveaway

The Bristol Casino, Future Home of Hard Rock, has announced a brand-new giveaway for all Unity Members. Participants can win a Jeep Grand Wagoneer, with entries accepted every Saturday in April and May 6. The winner will be announced at the final drawing on May 6 at 10:30 pm. Unity Members can also win other prizes totaling $250,000, including $25,000 in prizes every Saturday.

Read full story
2 comments
Greeneville, TN

Community Rallies Around Six-Year-Old Girl with Bleeding Disorder, Hosts Blood and Toy Drive to Support Others

Small girl holding her teddy bear.Photo byVitolda Klein/UnsplashonUnsplash. Teaguen Donahue, a six-year-old girl from Greeneville, Tennessee, is no stranger to the importance of blood donations. She was born with von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot, and has had to rely on regular blood donations from others to receive life-saving treatments. Now, Teaguen and her family, along with employees at Doak Elementary School, are giving back to the community by hosting a blood and toy drive to help others in need.

Read full story
Bristol, VA

Expansion of Passenger Rail Service can Bring Economic Benefits to Bristol, Tennessee

Bristol, Tennessee, is poised to benefit from expanding passenger rail service to Bristol, Virginia. The Federal Rail Administration recently approved Virginia’s statewide rail plan, which includes securing federal funding to expand passenger rail service to Bristol. The proposed expansion could significantly impact Bristol, Tennessee, and the wider region, providing new transportation options and boosting the local economy.

Read full story
2 comments
Tennessee State

Federal Judge Blocks Biden's WOTUS Environmental Regulations, Impacting Tennessee Farmers and Residents

In a recent development, a federal judge has blocked the Biden administration from implementing new environmental regulations redefining how water sources are protected under the Clean Water Act. The regulations, known as the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, were announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in December 2022, and they were scheduled to go into effect on March 20, 2023.

Read full story
35 comments
Carter County, TN

State Audit Reveals Weaknesses and Investigation into Carter County Solid Waste Management and Director of Schools

The recent audit of Carter County government by the Tennessee Comptroller's Office has highlighted several significant weaknesses in the county's financial management. One of the most concerning findings was that expenditures exceeded the appropriations approved by the county commission, indicating a lack of proper oversight and control over the county's finances.

Read full story
Tennessee State

Tennessee: The 10th Most Affordable State to Retire In - Find Out Why!

As concerns about Social Security solvency, inflation, rising interest rates, and bank closures increase, many Americans worry about having enough money to live their golden years. A Gallup poll found that seniors are retiring four years later than they were in 1991, and where they choose to retire will significantly impact their finances, as income, taxes, and expenses vary widely by state.

Read full story
10 comments
Roan Mountain, TN

Renowned Naturalists to Speak at 64th Annual Spring Naturalist Rally in Roan Mountain State Park

Roan Mountain State Park is gearing up for the 64th Annual Spring Naturalist Rally from April 28-30, and organizers couldn't be more excited about what's in store. The Friends of Roan Mountain State Park are putting the finishing touches on the event, which promises to be one of the most informative and entertaining yet.

Read full story
Nashville, TN

Bristol Motorsports Giant to Bring NASCAR Back to Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway

Bristol Motor Speedway has been given the green light to operate the historic Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, paving the way for the return of NASCAR racing to the city. The agreement, which includes a 30-year lease and a range of revenue sources, was approved by the Nashville Fair Board in a 3-2 vote.

Read full story
3 comments
Bristol, TN

Bristol Casino Ramps Up the Fun with Expanded Gaming and Dining Options

‘Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock’ is gearing up for a busy St. Patrick's Day weekend with expanded gaming offerings. Just in time for March Madness, the casino has added new slot machines and table games, bringing the total to 890 slots and 29 table games. The new games include two new Blackjack tables to High Limit, a Blackjack table, and a Mississippi Stud table added to the Non-Smoking area, eight new Dragon Link machines to High Limit, and 20 new slot machines from Sega Sammy.

Read full story
2 comments
Kingsport, TN

Ballad Health's New Kingsport Clinic Offers Comprehensive Rehabilitation Treatments

Ballad Health has announced the opening a new Spine and Rehabilitation location in Kingsport, Tennessee. The clinic, now serving patients on the campus of Indian Path Community Hospital, specializes in physiatry recovery services, offering interventional pain management services to reduce and eliminate pain while improving musculoskeletal health.

Read full story
Kingsport, TN

Retired USAF Colonel from Kingsport Warns of Escalation in Wake of Drone Incident

Photo byDefense Visual Information Distribution Service/dvidshub. The recent collision between a Russian fighter jet and a US reconnaissance drone in the Black Sea has sparked concern and debate among residents in Kingsport, Tennessee. Retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Tony Shipley, who resides in the area, expressed his views on the incident, calling it "criminal aggression" and warning that "taking no action is the escalatory act."

Read full story
1 comments

Comments / 0

Community Policy