Alexandria arena proposal economic impact report released
An economic and fiscal impact analysis released Friday by the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership forecasts that the proposed Washington Capitals and Wizards arena in Alexandria could generate up to $7.96 billion in annual economic output for the state. Additionally, the report says the arena could be completed as soon as 2028 if its construction schedule […]
Why Alexandria’s new entertainment district is everyone’s business
As lawmakers negotiate the future of a $2 billion deal to build a new entertainment district in Alexandria, leaders across public and private sectors in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region are weighing the potential benefits. Without discounting concerns of local residents, I would like to present how this entertainment district will help Northern Virginia’s future growth and […]
Caesars Virginia ‘tops off’ Danville casino
Caesars Virginia is a step closer to opening its permanent casino in Danville after a topping-off ceremony Thursday. Though the temporary casino opened in May 2023, work on the permanent Caesars Virginia casino and 12-story hotel has been ongoing. The floor of the casino has been poured, metal framing is in place and the hotel […]
Wizards, Capitals plan Alexandria move in $2B deal
The Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards are planning a move to a new home in Alexandria in a $2 billion deal that would see the professional sports franchises exit Washington, D.C., by 2028, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Dec. 13, 2023. The nonbinding agreement to build a new arena for the Capitals and Wizards is […]
Norfolk HeadWaters casino could break ground in spring 2024
With the clock ticking on HeadWaters Resort & Casino’s statutory requirement to open a permanent resort casino by November 2025 — five years after Norfolk voters approved it — the developer has submitted new plans to the City of Norfolk, aiming to start construction in spring 2024. The Norfolk Architecture Review Board is set to […]
Visit Alexandria CEO announces retirement
Visit Alexandria President and CEO Patricia Washington will retire at the end of June 2024, the tourism organization announced Friday. Washington has led Visit Alexandria since 2012. She led two rebranding efforts and four brand campaigns and helped Alexandria become a national tourism destination, according to a news release announcing her retirement. The City of […]
Wizards, Capitals plan move to Alexandria in $2B deal
The Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards are planning a move across the Potomac River to a new home in Alexandria in a $2 billion deal that would see the professional sports franchises exit Washington, D.C., by 2028, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced early Wednesday. The nonbinding agreement to build a new arena for the Capitals […]
A British invasion at Norfolk’s Chrysler Museum
This week, Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney’s photography exhibit makes the second stop on its global magical mystery tour, with the show’s U.S. debut at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk. Museum officials say attendance is expected to be higher than any previous exhibit at the 90-year-old Chrysler, with inquiries coming from across the […]
Hampton Roads hotel revenues outpace Va., country
Hotel revenues in Hampton Roads outpaced Virginia and the nation through October, according to a report from Old Dominion University’s Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy, citing data from STR, a division of CoStar Group that provides market data on the U.S. hospitality industry. Through October, hotel revenues were 22.8% higher in Hampton Roads, […]
Tourism gains steam with scenic train tour
Virginia Scenic Railway’s new Shenandoah Valley Limited proved just the ticket for seasonal leaf-peepers and train enthusiasts, drawing thousands of visitors to Goshen this fall. The iconic Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611, known as the “Queen of Steam,” is one of the last extant mainline passenger steam locomotives built in the United States. […]
Danville considers new rules for short-term rentals
Amid a boom in local short-term residential rentals like Airbnbs, Danville officials are examining ways to regulate the practice. Caesars Entertainment opened its temporary Danville Casino in May, drawing some area visitors. Additional factors driving short-term rentals, speculates Danville City Manager Ken Larking, may include construction on local projects such as the $100 million White [&hellip[...]
Richmond to host 2026 national speech and debate tournament
The Richmond region will host a June 2026 national speech and debate tournament that’s expected to bring 10,000 students and visitors to the region. The National Speech & Debate Association, Richmond Region Tourism and the nonprofit Richmond Forum made the announcement Monday. “I know this will be one of the best tournaments, and I look […]