PETERSBURG, Va. – Today marked the groundbreaking of the new LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL VIRGINIA by Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies in Petersburg. This significant milestone initiates construction on a pivotal project that will provide billions in economic benefits, foster further development, create thousands of job opportunities, and establish a new benchmark for gaming, hospitality, and entertainment in the Commonwealth. Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is part of a broader $1.4 billion master plan from the partnership, which will be executed in phases to develop a first-rate mixed-use resort destination in Petersburg.
Leadership from Bruce Smith Enterprise, The Cordish Companies, and Cordish Gaming were present alongside Petersburg City Mayor Sam Parham, members of the Petersburg City Council, Virginia State Senator Lashrecse Aird, Virginia State Delegate Kim Taylor, and various business and community leaders at the construction site. This prime location on Brasfield Parkway at the junction of Wagner Road and Interstate I-95 is conveniently located just 20 miles south of Richmond, ensuring easy access to the East Coast’s main north-south interstate.
The opening of Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is anticipated for 2027. A temporary gaming facility is expected to launch by the end of 2025, offering around 500 new jobs and generating economic benefits for the City. Over its first decade, the project is projected to produce $2.8 billion in economic stimulation for the region, $504 million in tax revenue (including $240 million for the City of Petersburg), $802 million in economic contributions during construction, and 7,500 new jobs, comprising 6,100 during construction and 1,400 permanent positions.
Upon its completion in 2027, Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia will boast:
- Over 450,000 square feet of premier gaming, lodging, and dining areas
- 75,000 square feet dedicated to meetings, conventions, and entertainment, featuring a 4,000-seat modern venue for concerts and special events from top performers
- A luxury 200-room hotel with 20 suites, a resort-style pool, and a fitness center
- 1,600 cutting-edge slot machines
- 65 live action table games, including a dedicated 22-table poker room
- High-limit slot and table game areas
- A sportsbook
- 10 exceptional dining and entertainment options, including local partners
- Complimentary parking
The temporary facility, expected to open this year, will feature approximately:
- 75,000 square feet of gaming space
- 900 modern slot machines
- 33 live action table games
- A casino bar and quick-service restaurant
- 1,000 free parking spaces
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Live! is committed to being an economic catalyst in the communities where it operates, prioritizing the hiring of local residents. Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies aim to achieve this with the creation of 1,400 new jobs, averaging $70,000 in annual compensation along with substantial benefits and opportunities for career advancement.
Job openings will span numerous fields, including gaming and hotel operations, finance, marketing, human resources, information technology, food and beverage services, facilities management, security, and more. Live! also plans to collaborate with local educational institutions to deliver training programs for roles within the casino and hospitality sectors, striving to build a diverse and inclusive workforce. Local residents will have many chances to explore job openings at Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia through initiatives such as:
- Pre-opening community job fairs
- Local job placement workshops
- Online job listings and tailored recruitment services
- Contractor mentoring and apprenticeship programs
- Community information sessions on employment and training
- Partnerships with community colleges and universities for job placement
For additional details, visit https://valive.casino/.
VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES
Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is set to procure tens of millions of dollars’ worth of goods and services from the region. Recognized as leaders in community engagement, Live! is dedicated to supporting local businesses, including minority, women-owned, and veteran-owned firms by providing them access to contract opportunities. An internal database of diverse contractors and suppliers will be maintained for future bidding processes. The following types of goods and services are on the procurement list:
- Gaming Operations
- Hotel Operations
- Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
- Engineering, Facilities and Maintenance
- Food and Beverage
- Office and Computer Supplies
- Professional Services
A Local Contractor and Supplier Fair will be held on April 9th from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Petersburg Public Library, allowing local businesses and contractors to gain insights into the project. No prior registration is required for attendance.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, INVOLVEMENT & BENEFITS
Live! is poised to be a transformative project that will deliver substantial community benefits to the City of Petersburg and its residents. The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise have long valued community integration and involvement. They are committed to supporting non-profit organizations in Petersburg, offering assistance to community groups in their fundraising efforts and volunteer initiatives—a core component of their ethos. The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith are consistently recognized as major supporters of charitable organizations in the regions where they operate.
Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia will be developed, owned, and managed by Petersburg Community Development Investors, LLC and its affiliates. The approval for the casino in Petersburg is contingent upon licensing by appropriate Commonwealth agencies, including the Virginia Lottery.
Further information will be provided in the coming months, and updates will be posted to the website as they become available at https://valive.casino/.
