PETERSBURG, Va. – Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies marked the commencement of construction for the new LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL VIRGINIA in Petersburg today. This event signifies the beginning of a significant project aimed at delivering billions of dollars in economic advantages and further development, creating thousands of jobs, and establishing a benchmark for gaming, hotels, and entertainment across the Commonwealth. The Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is part of a broader $1.4 billion master plan by the partnership, which will unfold in phases to establish a premier mixed-use resort destination in Petersburg.
Accompanying executives from Bruce Smith Enterprise, The Cordish Companies, and Cordish Gaming were Petersburg City Mayor Sam Parham, members of the Petersburg City Council, Virginia State Senator Lashrecse Aird, Virginia State Delegate Kim Taylor, and various other community and business leaders at the construction site. The chosen location on Brasfield Parkway at the intersection with Wagner Road and Interstate I-95 is strategically positioned just 20 miles south of Richmond, ensuring convenient access from the major north-south interstate along the East Coast.
The anticipated opening of Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is set for 2027, with a temporary gaming facility expected to begin operating by the end of 2025. This facility aims to immediately generate around 500 new jobs, alongside vendor opportunities and economic gains for the city. Over the initial decade, the development is projected to create $2.8 billion in regional economic stimulus, along with $504 million in tax revenues (including $240 million allotted for the City of Petersburg), $802 million in construction-related economic benefits, and $201 million in annual economic contributions post-opening, while generating 7,500 new positions, including 6,100 during construction and 1,400 permanent roles.
Once completed in 2027, the state-of-the-art Live! Casino & Hotel will feature:
- Over 450,000 square feet dedicated to gaming, hotel, and dining
- 75,000 square feet for meetings, conventions, and entertainment, including a 4,000-seat venue for concerts and major events
- An upscale 200-room hotel with 20 suites, a resort pool, and a fitness center
- 1,600 modern slot machines
- 65 live action table games and a dedicated 22-table poker room
- High limit areas for slots and tables
- A sportsbook
- 10 dining and entertainment options featuring local partners
- Free parking facilities
The temporary gaming facility, which is expected to open by the year’s end, will include approximately:
- 75,000 square feet of gaming space
- 900 state-of-the-art slots
- 33 live action table games
- A casino bar and a quick-service restaurant
- 1,000 free parking spaces
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Live! acts as an economic catalyst within the communities where its properties reside and emphasizes hiring local individuals. Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies are dedicated to having the same impact by creating 1,400 new living-wage jobs, with an average annual compensation of $70,000, inclusive of valuable benefits and career mobility. Employment opportunities will span various sectors, including gaming and hotel management, finance, marketing, IT, food and beverage, security, and more.
For further details and updates, visit https://valive.casino/.
VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES
The Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia plans to procure tens of millions of dollars’ worth of goods and services locally. As leaders in community outreach, Live! is committed to supporting local, regional, minority, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses by offering them access to contracting opportunities. Their procurement team will maintain a database of diverse contractors and suppliers for future bids. Some categories for potential procurement include:
- Gaming Operations
- Hotel Operations
- Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
- Engineering, Facilities, and Maintenance
- Food and Beverage
- Office and Computer Supplies
- Professional Services
