Hard Rock's temporary Bristol Casino closed early Monday morning to prepare for Thursday's grand opening of the permanent $515 million Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol resort.

The new 620,000-square-foot integrated resort represents a major upgrade from the temporary facility that operated in the former Bristol Mall since July 2022. The temporary casino generated approximately $145 million in gaming revenue last year alone.

The permanent resort features:

• 1,500 slot machines
• 50 live dealer table games
• Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook
• 303 hotel rooms
• 2,000-seat concert venue
• Multiple dining options including Council Oak Steak & Seafood
• Hard Rock Shop
• Hard Rock Café (coming soon)

Country music star Blake Shelton will perform at the grand opening celebration. The casino opens Thursday, November 14 at noon local time, with hotel stays beginning Friday, November 15. Opening weekend room rates start at $599, dropping to $159 the following week.

The project represents a partnership between Hard Rock International (owned by the Seminole Tribe) and local businessmen Jim McGlothlin and Clyde Stacy. The development aims to boost Bristol's economy, where the median household income ($45,250) is roughly half the Virginia average. The resort has already created over 1,000 jobs with additional positions still available.

Existing Unity rewards program members will have their points automatically transferred to the new facility. The $515 million final investment represents a $115 million increase from initial estimates due to rising labor and materials costs.

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