The groundbreaking ceremony for the Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia in Petersburg marks the commencement of an ambitious $1.4 billion project that is anticipated to bring in billions of dollars in economic benefits, create thousands of jobs, and set a new benchmark for gaming, hotels, and entertainment in the Commonwealth.

Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia project in Petersburg. The commencement of this transformative project is expected to bring substantial economic benefits and create thousands of new jobs, setting a new benchmark for gaming, hotels, and entertainment in the Commonwealth.

The Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is part of the partnership’s larger $1.4 billion master plan to develop a world-class mixed-use resort destination in Petersburg. The development site on Brasfield Parkway at the intersection of Wagner Road and Interstate I-95 offers easy access to and from the East Coast’s primary north-south interstate.

Bruce Smith, founder of Bruce Smith Enterprise, expressed his pride and satisfaction in being part of this significant development. He believes this project will ignite tourism, create jobs, and ultimately deliver greater opportunities and upward mobility for local families. Smith is confident that this historic development will uplift, empower, and enrich the community for years.

The Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is scheduled to open in 2027, with a temporary gaming facility expected to be operational by the end of 2025. This interim measure will create an estimated 500 new jobs and generate economic benefits for the city. The project is projected to generate $2.8 billion in economic stimulus in its first decade, contributing $504 million in tax revenues, including $240 million for the City of Petersburg. During construction, the project will bring $802 million in economic benefits and create 6,100 jobs, followed by 1,400 new permanent jobs after its opening.

Upon completion in 2027, the world-class Live! Casino & Hotel destination will include a gaming, hotel, and dining space spanning over 450,000 square feet, a 75,000 square feet area for meetings, conventions, and entertainment, an upscale 200-room hotel, 1,600 state-of-the-art slot machines, 65 live-action table games, and ten top-notch food and entertainment options.

The temporary facility, scheduled to open by the end of this year, will offer approximately 75,000 square feet of gaming space, 900 state-of-the-art slots, 33 live-action table games, a casino bar, a quick-service restaurant, and 1,000 free parking spots.

Zed Smith, Chief Operating Officer for The Cordish Companies, marked the day as monumental as they expand their Live! brand into the Central Virginia region. He emphasized the project’s transformative nature and potential to generate millions of dollars in economic benefits for the community.

Live! is an economic engine in communities where its properties are located. Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies are committed to creating 1,400 new living-wage jobs averaging $70,000 in annual compensation with life-enhancing benefits and career mobility. They will partner with local educational institutions to provide training programs for jobs within the complex, including gaming and hospitality positions.

Additionally, Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia will purchase tens of millions of dollars in goods and services in the region. They are committed to supporting local, regional, minority, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses by providing them with contract opportunities.