Hard Rock Hotel & Casino famous guitar smash ceremony was held Thursday morning to commemorate the much-anticipated grand opening of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol. “Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock” became Virginia’s first casino when it opened in July 2022.
The casino formally opened to the public at noon after the ceremony, which included Hard Rock executives and partners, state and municipal politicians, representatives of the local community, and business and civic leaders.
Located at 500 Gate City Highway in Bristol, the 620,000-square-foot resort features nearly 1,500 slot machines, more than 50 table games, a sportsbook, 300-plus hotel rooms and seven unique dining options, including a signature Hard Rock Cafe. The venue also offers a 2,000-plus seat Hard Rock Live, Rock Shop, designated non-smoking and high limit gaming areas, authentic music memorabilia and more.
“For Hard Rock and the Bristol community, this is such a historic moment,” stated Jon Lucas, COO of Hard Rock International. Bristol, known as the “Birthplace of Country Music,” is a perfect fit for the musical tradition of Hard Rock. We are excited to provide top-notch gaming, dining, and entertainment options to Bristol and the surrounding area.
“This achievement is a source of immense pride for Bristol,” stated Clyde Stacy, president of Par Ventures, and Jim McGlothlin, chairman of The United Company. In addition to bringing in new tax money and well-paying employment throughout Southwest Virginia, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol is already boosting visitation and spending in the Tri-Cities area. Without the help of Bristol’s citizens and leaders, none of this would have been possible.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino From July 2022 until November 11, 2024, Bristol operated out of its temporary location, “Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock.” More than 3 million people visited the temporary casino, which also paid out more than $262 million in jackpots, over $68 million in gaming taxes to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and more than $960,000 to local nonprofits. About 900–1,000 construction-specific employment were produced by the project, and over 1,400 full-time and part-time jobs are anticipated to be created.
“This is a fantastic day for Bristol,” stated Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol President Allie Evangelista. “Our committed staff has been motivated by the community’s support in Bristol, and they have been working tirelessly to get ready for today’s big opening. We are excited to provide visitors with Bristol’s famed friendliness and service along with Hard Rock’s world-known amenities.
Blake Shelton’s concert on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Soul Asylum’s on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m., round out the opening weekend festivities. The brand-new Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, a cutting-edge 23,000-square-foot arena that will be the area’s top live entertainment destination, will host both events. Please visit casino.hardrock.com/bristol/entertainment/hard-rock-live to see upcoming Hard Rock Live events.
