Published on: November 7, 2024, 12:49h.
Last updated on: November 7, 2024, 12:49h.
Caesars Virginia in Danville has a confirmed opening date set for the coming month.
Caesars Entertainment and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), the co-developers, owners, and operators of the $750 million project, inform Casino.org that the integrated resort casino will hold its grand opening celebration on Thursday, Dec. 12.
“We have worked diligently on creating a world-class resort that will offer all the luxurious and modern amenities expected from Caesars that will also serve as an economic driver for Danville and the surrounding region through employment and tourism,” said Barron Fuller, regional president for Caesars Entertainment. “We’re so proud of Caesars Virginia and look forward to welcoming guests on Dec. 12.”
Caesars Virginia is a 587,000-square-foot destination that includes over 90,000 square feet of gaming with nearly 1,500 slot machines, 79 live dealer table games, 48 electronic table games, a World Series of Poker (WSOP) Room, and a Caesars Sportsbook.
The resort’s hotel comes with 320 guestrooms, 50,000 square feet of meeting and convention rooms, a 2,500-seat entertainment venue, a full-service spa, a pool, and an array of dining experiences ranging from fast-casual to multi-Michelin-starred chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay’s eatery Ramsay’s Kitchen.
Economic Hopes
Virginia lawmakers and then-Gov. Ralph Northam (D) in 2020 authorized casinos in designated cities in need of an economic spark. Danville, located just north of the Virginia-North Carolina border, was in desperate need of a major economic investment like the one Caesars and EBCI embarked on.
Per the 2020 Census, the median household income in Danville was just $41,484 — less than half of the $90,000 state average. Over 25% of the Danville population was considered to live in poverty as of 2020, more than double the 10.2% statewide rate.
Caesars has pledged to pay the more than 1,200 employees it’s hiring ahead of next month’s resort opening good wages and benefits.
Through numerous hiring events in the region, training at facilities in Danville, and overall support from local and state leaders as well as the business community, we are prepared to continue delivering the Family Style Service that Caesars is known for to our guests in the new, beautiful, destination resort,” said Chris Albrecht, senior vice president and general manager of Caesars Virginia.
“Our partnership with Caesars Virginia marks a significant milestone in the region’s growth, creating jobs and economic opportunities that will benefit both Danville and surrounding communities,” added Principal Chief Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. “We look forward to building stronger ties within the region and seeing the positive impact Caesars Virginia will have, providing opportunities and experiences that honor the unique spirit and diversity of this area.”
Caesars Virginia has been built on the former site of the Dan River Inc.’s textile campus. The resort retained the property’s iconic “Three Sisters” smokestacks.
Las Vegas Meets Southern Charm
Caesars Virginia brings a taste of Las Vegas to the commonwealth. Dubbed “Roman Luxury Meets Southern Charm,” the destination is part of the Caesars Rewards network, which allows loyalty members to earn and redeem Rewards Credits at more than 50 Caesars properties.
Caesars has operated a temporary casino in Danville since May 2023. The pavilion tent features about 800 slots and 33 tables. Caesars reps say the provisional gaming space has delivered more than $66 million in state and local gaming taxes.
Caesars Virginia will become the third permanent casino to open in the commonwealth after Rivers Casino Portsmouth in January 2023 and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol next month on Nov. 14.