Renowned world brand Hard Rock will operate the Bristol Resort and Casino, project partner Jim McGlothlin confirmed on Friday. For the project to go-ahead, Bristol voters will have to hold a referendum, but things are looking good.

Hard Rock International to Operate Bristol Resort and Casino

Hard Rock International will become the official operator for Bristol Resort and Casino, a soon to be in development project, part of the Bristol Mall.

The news was revealed on Friday, November 22 by one of the development partners and CEO of The United Co., Jim McGlothlin, who shared his enthusiasm to collaborate with Hard Rock and benefit from the brand’s global expertise in running high-end hospitality and gaming venues:

“We are excited to collaborate with Hard Rock, a well-respected and legendary entertainment brand with legions of devoted customers across the country and around the world,” McGlothlin said.

He praised the company for its established footprint with some 31 distinguished hotel properties around the world, 12 casinos and 218 cafes and Rock Shops. On the casino front, Hard Rock presently has properties in:

Hollywood and Tampa, Florida

Biloxi, Mississippi

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Sacramento, California

Sioux City, Iowa

Wheatland, California & other locations abroad

Furthermore, McGlothlin considered the brand’s involvement with various music entertainment programs as the perfect addition to the business, which will help push the Hard Rock Casino Bristol project.

McGlothlin already have the permit to proceed after the Virginia General Assembly gave the go-ahead for the project back in February, 2019.

While the Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission is bound to give its approval, it would ultimately be up to Bristol, Virginia voters to decide whether they want to allow a casino project to emerge in the region.

Immediate Economic Boon for the Region

City Manager Randy Eads has been among the individuals to praise the efforts to bring the Seminole Owned-brand to Bristol. Eads reiterated the stance of McGlothlin, saying that Hard Rock was a brand recognized for its music initiatives.

The project itself will bring significant economic benefits to the region with 2,000 jobs anticipated to be created in just one year of operation. This number will be topped off to 5,200 within seven years.

According to early projections, the project should draw 4 million visitors every year and generate $1 billion in economic value. McGlothlin shared the same opinion in an official statement:

“The Hard Rock team understands the significant economic development impact the Hard Rock Casino Bristol will have on the city and the entire surrounding region, in terms of new jobs and additional tax revenue,” he said.

Eads agreed with McGlothlin, reminding press that Hard Rock is a well-established brand, and specifically citing other aspects of the experience, beyond gaming, such as hospitality, catering and live music entertainment.

According to Eads, the project is a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’ for Bristol as well as Virginia.

On October 31, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain made its grand opening, celebrating in style. The Bristol project has been made possible with the assistance of