Norfolk’s Future Shines Bright with Upcoming Casino Resort
Posted on: October 16, 2024, 10:15h.
Last updated on: October 16, 2024, 10:27h.
The Norfolk casino resort project, a collaboration between Boyd Gaming and Virginia’s Pamunkey Indian Tribe, is set to break ground at the end of October 2024. This milestone comes as an eagerly awaited development for the local community and is part of a broader effort to enhance entertainment options in the region.
Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe will break ground on their resort casino in Virginia’s Norfolk on October 30, 2024. The groundbreaking comes nearly four years after city voters authorized the commercial casino. (Image: Boyd Gaming)
Groundbreaking Ceremony Details
The ceremonial groundbreaking is scheduled for October 30, 2024, after Norfolk City Council approved the more than $500 million initiative. Key figures expected to attend this momentous occasion include Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, Pamunkey Chief Robert Gray, and Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander. Their presence underscores the significance of this project, which has long been in the pipeline.
Project Overview
The upcoming resort, whose name is yet to be revealed, will offer a comprehensive suite of amenities aimed at drawing both locals and tourists. Highlights of the project include:
- A 200-room hotel: Ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors.
- Casino floor with 1,500 slot machines and 50 live dealer table games: A range of gaming options to cater to diverse preferences, along with a sportsbook for betting enthusiasts.
- Eight restaurants and bars: Food and beverage choices that will provide variety and cater to different tastes.
- Meeting and event space: Spanning 13,000 square feet; perfect for conferences, gatherings, and community events.
- Residential amenities: Including a full-service spa and fitness center, enhancing the resort experience.
- Parking: A 1,300-space parking garage to accommodate guests and attendees.
The complex will occupy approximately six acres, which Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Tribe are purchasing from the city for $10 million.
Community Support and Historical Context
The idea for a casino in Norfolk isn’t new. Local voters gave a decisive nod of approval during the November 2020 election, with about 65% supporting the initiative. The casino will be strategically located along the Elizabeth River, adjacent to the city’s Harbor Park Minor League Baseball stadium, creating a vibrant entertainment hub in the region.
Temporary Casino Plans
Before the grand opening of the permanent facility, the developers plan to open a temporary casino featuring several hundred slot machines and table games. This interim solution is critical, as Virginia law requires that casino operations commence within five years of a local referendum approval. Therefore, the temporary venue is essential to kick-start gaming activity in Norfolk, with Boyd aiming to open it by October 2025.
Construction for the temporary casino will begin in February 2025. Meanwhile, the permanent resort construction is set for mid-January 2025, with a projected completion date in 2027.
Transition of Ownership and Development Plans
Norfolk’s long-awaited casino plans gained momentum with Boyd Gaming’s partnership with the Pamunkey Tribe. Boyd took over the project after acquiring billionaire Jon Yarbrough’s stake, expediting the development process which had faced multiple challenges previously. Yarbrough was initially collaborating on a competing tribal casino near King William County. By joining forces with the Pamunkeys for the Norfolk project, Boyd seeks to optimize investment and mitigate competition.
A New Identity for the Casino
As Boyd Gaming prepares to embark on its development plans, the name HeadWaters, previously associated with the project, has been laid to rest. Boyd representatives have indicated that a new name, reflective of Norfolk’s rich history and local culture, will soon be announced. Given Boyd’s limited use of dominant branding across its regional properties, the naming is expected to resonate with the Hampton Roads region and honor its naval heritage and vast waterways.
Conclusion
The Norfolk casino resort is poised to become a cornerstone of entertainment and economic stimulation for the community. It embodies the collaborative spirit between local government, Native American tribes, and private enterprise, fostering a vision for future growth. As construction commences and plans unfold, residents and visitors alike look forward to what promises to be an exciting new chapter for Norfolk.
