After years of delays and setbacks, the groundbreaking ceremony for Norfolk’s highly anticipated casino project finally took place on Tuesday morning. The event was attended by city officials, developers, and community members who have been eagerly awaiting the start of construction on the $500 million resort and casino.
The project, which is being developed by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Tennessee-based gaming company, Rush Street Gaming, has faced numerous hurdles since it was first proposed in 2018. From legal challenges to opposition from local residents concerned about the impact of a casino on the city, the road to groundbreaking has been a long and arduous one.
But now, with shovels in hand and smiles on their faces, city officials and developers are celebrating the start of construction on what promises to be a game-changer for Norfolk’s economy. The 300,000 square foot casino resort will feature a 750-room hotel, a variety of restaurants and bars, a spa, and a 3,000 seat entertainment venue. In addition to the casino, the project will also include a conference center and parking garage.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander expressed his excitement about the project and the positive impact it will have on the city. “This is a historic day for Norfolk,” he said. “This casino resort will create thousands of jobs, generate millions of dollars in economic development, and bring new visitors to our city. We are thrilled to see this project finally getting off the ground.”
Developers are expecting the casino resort to attract over four million visitors annually and generate an estimated $12 million in tax revenue for the city. The project is also expected to create over 2,500 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs once the resort is up and running.
While the groundbreaking ceremony marks a major milestone for the project, there is still much work to be done before the casino resort is open to the public. Construction is expected to take approximately two years, with the grand opening tentatively scheduled for late 2023.
As the first major casino project in Hampton Roads, the Norfolk casino resort is poised to become a major player in the region’s gaming industry. With its prime location on the Elizabeth River waterfront and its impressive amenities, the resort is expected to attract visitors from near and far, putting Norfolk on the map as a premier destination for entertainment and leisure.
Overall, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Norfolk casino project represents a significant step forward for the city and its economy. With construction now underway, residents and visitors alike can look forward to enjoying all that this exciting new destination has to offer in the years to come.
