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Hotels/Tourism

Norfolk casino General Manager Ron Bailey leads a tour of the Interim Gaming Hall, which opened in November 2025. Photo by Kristen Zeis
Feb 1, 2026

Will new casino be a jackpot for Norfolk?

Norfolk’s $750M casino project is on track for 2027, but rising competition and lower tax projections raise revenue questions.

Vinton Town Manager Pete Peters at Extended Stay America Premier Suites site Photo by Natalee Waters
Feb 1, 2026

Roanoke Valley confronts hotel room shortage

As a trio of hotels shuttered in the city over the past several years, the number of rooms available in Roanoke to travelers has shrunk. Two hotels — the Blue Ridge Hotel & Conference Center, which closed in late 2019, and a Days Inn that shuttered in 2022 — were replaced by multifamily developments. And […]

Rendering of Sphere National Harbor. Photo courtesy Sphere Entertainment
Jan 23, 2026

Peterson Cos. plans smaller-scale Sphere in National Harbor

Sphere Entertainment plans a $1B, 6,000-seat version of the Las Vegas Sphere in National Harbor, Maryland, boosting tourism and jobs.

Rob Norton, president of Cordish Gaming Group, was on hand for a media preview of the Live! Casino Virginia temporary venue in Petersburg, set to open Jan. 22, 2026. Photo by Jay Paul
Jan 15, 2026

Petersburg casino preview features 900+ slot machines

A temporary casino with 900 slot machines and 30 table games – but still no poker or a sportsbook – will open in Petersburg on Jan. 22

Newport News aims for summer music festival
Dec 11, 2025

Newport News music festival set for Memorial Day weekend 2026

Newport News City Council approved a $3 million grant to support the launch of a major music festival coming Memorial Day Weekend 2026.

Temporary Petersburg casino to open in January
Nov 24, 2025

Petersburg casino announces opening date for temporary facility

The temporary Live! Casino Virginia in Petersburg will open Jan. 22, 2026, pending regulatory approval.

Demand rises for unique meeting locations
Nov 2, 2025

Demand rises for unique meeting locations

Event planners are choosing distinctive Virginia venues — from art museums to racetracks — to create memorable experiences.

VA1 Summit gives tourism pros chance to talk
Nov 2, 2025

VA1 Summit gives tourism pros chance to talk

Virginia tourism leaders will gather in Danville for the annual VA1 Summit to discuss innovation, AI and the future of travel.

Notable hotels opening across Virginia
Nov 2, 2025

Notable hotels opening across Virginia

Virginia’s hotel sector remains strong despite reduced federal travel, with new luxury and boutique properties opening statewide.

Live conventions return but face rising costs
Nov 1, 2025

Live conventions return but face rising costs

Event planners across Virginia say meetings and conventions are thriving again, even as costs and expectations climb.

Temporary Petersburg casino to open in January
Oct 24, 2025

Temporary Petersburg casino to open in January

A temporary casino preceding the $1.4 billion Live! Casino & Hotel Resort in Petersburg is expected to open in January 2026.

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