The grand opening of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol took place Thursday morning, showcasing the brand’s legendary guitar smash ceremony. Originally launched as ‘Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock’ in July 2022, this marked Virginia’s very first casino.
The ceremony was attended by Hard Rock executives, partners, state and local officials, members of the community, and leaders from various businesses and civic organizations, culminating in the casino’s public opening at noon.
Situated at 500 Gate City Highway in Bristol, this sprawling 620,000-square-foot resort is home to nearly 1,500 slot machines, over 50 table games, a sportsbook, more than 300 hotel rooms, and seven diverse dining options, including a signature Hard Rock Cafe. Guests can also enjoy a 2,000-plus seat Hard Rock Live venue, the Rock Shop, designated non-smoking and high-limit gaming areas, and a collection of authentic music memorabilia, among other attractions.
From July 2022 until November 11, 2024, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol operated within its temporary facility, which welcomed over 3 million guests, contributed more than $68 million in gaming taxes to the Commonwealth of Virginia, donated over $960,000 to local nonprofits, and distributed more than $262 million in jackpots. The development created around 900 to 1,000 construction jobs and is projected to generate over 1,400 full-time and part-time employment opportunities.
The festivities continue over opening weekend with concert performances from Blake Shelton on Thursday at 7 p.m., followed by Soul Asylum on Saturday, November 16, at 7 p.m. Both concerts will be held in the new Hard Rock Live venue, a cutting-edge 23,000-square-foot space that aims to be the premier location for live entertainment in the area. For information on upcoming events at Hard Rock Live, please visit casino.hardrock.com/bristol/entertainment/hard-rock-live.
To learn more about Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, please visit https://casino.hardrock.com/bristol.
For career opportunities with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, visit casino.hardrock.com/bristol/careers.
Hotel contact information
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
500 Gate City Hwy
Bristol, VA 24201
United States
Phone: +1 276-696-3660
