Hard Rock Bristol Thinking Expansion Just Weeks After Opening Virginia Casino

Posted on: December 2, 2024, 10:44h. 

Last updated on: December 2, 2024, 11:13h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More

Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol opened on November 14. Now, just weeks into the $515 million integrated resort’s story, the ownership group is already thinking about its next chapter.

Hard Rock opened in Southern Virginia near the Tennessee border to much fanfare and an opening night concert from country music superstar Blake Shelton. The former “Voice” coach celebrated the resort’s commencement with officials from Hard Rock International and the Virginia development’s local partners, Par Ventures and the United Company.

McGlothlin and Stacey tell Cardinal News, a news outlet serving southwest and Southside Virginia, that the property grab is in anticipation of future expansion. While the former industrial site is currently being used for employee parking, the businessmen say the odds are good it will one day be developed.

Hard Rock Bristol Future 

McGlothlin and Stacey paid $7 million for the property located at the corner of Catherine Street and Gate City Highway (U.S. 421). Property records show that the seller was Nulife Glass VA Realty.

Nulife had planned to build a recycling plant on the land but failed to secure the necessary permits. The land was previously home to a dairy production facility.

Andy Poach, a spokesperson for Hard Rock Bristol, told Cardinal News that should expansion be warranted, the site across US Highway 421 is ideal.

The reason for the purchase is to be prepared to meet future growth demands, as they may arise,” Poarch said.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol stands where the Bristol Mall stood for almost a half-century before it was demolished in phases over the past two years. Hard Rock operated a temporary casino inside the mall’s former Belk department store from July 2022 until early November 2024.

Hard Rock Live, a 23K-square-foot multiuse venue, is where major acts will perform. The space will also host conventions, trade shows, and special events like weddings. Upcoming shows include Bush on December 7, Air Supply on February 7, Boys II Men on March 28, and comedian Kevin James on May 31.

Future Speculation

Hard Rock Bristol has a small indoor/outdoor pool and fitness center. There is no spa.

If Hard Rock Bristol hopes to become a major resort destination mimicking many of its other casino properties across the US, an expansion of the resort’s wellness offerings across the street could make sense. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, for instance, has a full-service Rock Spa & Salon that provides pampering and relaxation through an array of treatments and services.