Bristol temporary casino to open July 8

Hard Rock International Inc. will open its temporary casino in Bristol July 8, the company announced Thursday.

The 30,000-square-foot temporary full-service casino featuring 900 gaming slots and 20 tables for gaming operations will open at 500 Gate City Highway, the former Bristol Mall. It is expected to generate 600 jobs.

In February, the casino named Allie Evangelista its president.

“We are excited to open the casino, and welcome guests,” said Jon Lucas, chief operating officer of Hard Rock International, in a statement. “As Virginia’s first casino, ‘Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock’ will be a wonderful addition to the Hard Rock global portfolio of dining, hotel and entertainment properties.”

The permanent casino remains on track to open in July 2024, two years after the opening of the temporary casino, a spokesperson said. The 90,000-square-foot permanent facility will include a 3,200-seat performance venue and a 20,000-person capacity outdoor entertainment venue.

Hard Rock has hired about 100 employees so far, with the bulk of them due to start within 3o to 45 days of the opening of the temporary casino, a spokesperson said. More local hiring events are planned, including two this week.