Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol to Open Permanent Location on November 14
Hard Rock plans to expand its workforce as it transitions to the permanent location, aiming to hire up to 1,400 employees.
The highly anticipated opening of the permanent Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol is set for November 14, following the launch of a temporary casino in July 2022. The 620,000-square-foot resort will mark its grand opening with a performance by country music star Blake Shelton, known for his role on NBC’s The Voice. Shelton will take the stage at the newly unveiled Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, which can seat over 2,000 people. The celebration will also feature Hard Rock’s signature “Guitar Smash” ceremony, a symbolic tradition at major brand events.
Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer of Hard Rock International, commented:
“Hard Rock’s rich history fits perfectly with Bristol’s distinction as the ‘Birthplace of Country Music.’ With this property, Bristol — and the entire region — have a new major entertainment destination.”
The $515 million resort represents a significant investment in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, offering nearly 1,500 slot machines, over 50 table games, a sportsbook, a 303-room hotel, and several dining options, including the iconic Hard Rock Café.
Local business leaders Jim McGlothlin, Chairman of The United Co., and Clyde Stacy, President of Par Ventures, who were instrumental in bringing the project to Bristol, emphasized its economic importance:
“The opening of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol is such a pivotal milestone for the city of Bristol and our entire Tri-Cities region. This project has created new jobs and generated additional tax revenue, serving as an economic engine and bringing hope to our community.”
The temporary casino, located in the former Bristol Mall, has already attracted over 3 million visitors and generated $66 million in gaming taxes. The success of the interim facility, featuring 900 slot machines, 29 table games, and a sportsbook, has set high expectations for the permanent casino.
Hard Rock plans to expand its workforce as it transitions to the permanent location, aiming to hire up to 1,400 employees. Currently, around 791 people work at the casino, with recruitment efforts ongoing.
While the project has brought economic growth to the region, challenges remain. The casino’s management team acknowledged the need to meet high entertainment expectations and recruit enough staff to support the venue's expansion. In addition to creating jobs, the resort is expected to generate substantial tax revenue and boost the local economy by attracting tourists and stimulating nearby businesses.
