3D Model for proposed Hard Rock Bristol Hotel & Casino unveiled
Representatives with the proposed Hard Rock Bristol Hotel & Casino have unveiled a 3D model of what the revamped facility will look like.
During a press conference Thursday morning, officials gave the Bristol, Va. community the first chance to see what the former Bristol Mall would be turned into should voters approve a referendum to allow the hotel and casino project to go forward. Among those on hand was Jim McGlothlin, United Company Chairman and CEO as well as one of two project developers for the Hotel and Casino.
McGlothlin addressed one of the things he is most excited about should the referendum be approved.
“The most exciting thing (for me) is the entertainment value for this area. If you follow Hard Rock, they are entertainment, they are what entertainment is about and it’s good wholesome entertainment. They bring a mixture of entertainment from all over the world including plays, shows, and I think that gives us a culture that we’ve never really had,” said McGlothlin.
McGlothlin, along with project partner Clyde Stacy, have worked with Hard Rock, city leaders, and Virginia state lawmakers over the course of the last two years for the project to make it to this point. The project also appeared to have an opportunity to start up in a thriving US economy prior to the onset of the ongoing worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. As the economy works to recover from the pandemic, McGlothlin feels the Hotel and Casino, that could offer the region so much economically, is a greater need than it was prior to the start of COVID-19.
“All of our local businesses are rocked on their heels and some are out of business, but (the hotel and casino) should help revitalize the ones who are on the fence about whether they can stay and should bring a lot of new businesses to town,” McGlothlin said.
Hard Rock officials also offered a further overview of the proposed Hotel and Casino. During the model unveiling, several new renderings were released of the vast features that will be offered, including a 20,000 seat outdoor entertainment venue, several restaurants and bars with one being a western themed nightlife venue, and a racing and sports experience.
The project, which could see around 2,000 jobs added, approximately 4 million visitors per year to the region, and between $16-21 million dollars of annual revenue for the city of Bristol, rides on the shoulders of voters.
As early voting gets underway Friday across Virginia, Sean Caffery, Hard Rock Senior Vice President of Casino and Business Development offers this to those heading to the polls.
“We think that this opportunity is going to bring a lot of wonderful promise and future to the Bristol community, and we welcome residents to come out and see the model unveiling as well as new artist renderings so those can get a chance to see and make the decision for themselves,” Caffery said.
The model is available for public viewing today through Saturday from 12-3 p.m.
Photo Courtesy: T.Adams/WXBQ
