Huge $1.4 billion entertainment resort to open in US – with 400,000 sq ft gaming zone, 200-room hotel, & swimming pools

VIRGINIA may become a new tourist hot spot with a $1.4 billion entertainment resort set to open in the state.

The development is set to include a 400,000-square-foot gaming zone, swimming pools, live-action table games, a poker room, and a casino bar.

The Cordish Companies, which owns the Maryland Live! Casino and Hotel, are set to develop the "gaming and entertainment district" in the City of Petersburg, just south of Richmond.

Virginia's Bruce Smith Enterprise will partner with the company to build the development, which will feature a 200-room hotel with 20 suites.

The joint venture partnership will be the first-of-its-kind in the gaming and entertainment industry to have a minority-owned business enterprise as a co-development partner. 

Included in the 400,000-square-foot "first-class gaming, hotel and dining space" will be an upscale hotel, 1,600 slot machines, a 3,000-seat entertainment venue, and eight "food and entertainment options."

The partners intend to open an initial first phase casino within a year to begin creating jobs, vendor opportunities and economic benefits immediately in the area.

An economic stimulus of $2.8 billion is projected for the region as a result of the development.

The initial project will include 1,000 state-of-the-art slot machines, 23 live action table games, a dedicated 15 table poker room and a casino bar and restaurant.

Zed Smith, chief operating officer of The Cordish Companies, released a statement about the planned development.

"The Cordish Companies’ track record for designing, financing, building, and operating large-scale mixed-use developments and casino resort destinations in the country is unmatched," he said.

"Our success includes achieving every commitment, program, and goal in our proposals for cities across the country.

"We are committed to excellence, creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, and treating our team members and communities like family."

With 35,000-square-foot of meeting and convention space planned, the development is expected to bring a wide variety of visitors to the area.

It is also to create over 7,500 new jobs in both construction and the hospitality industry.

Upon completion, the space will include a resort pool and fitness center, 46 live action table games, high limit slot and table areas and a sportsbook.

We can do remarkable work in Petersburg that will transform lives.

Bruce Smith, Bruce Smith Enterprises

It will also contain a "3,000-seat state-of-the-art entertainment venue for top talent from across Virginia and the greater region."

Of the eight dining options, three will be reserved for local Petersburg restauranteurs and businesses.

To encourage visitors from all over, the venue will also offer free parking.

Bruce Smith, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and prominent Virginian developer, also spoke about the partnership in a recent press release.

"We share the same vision and understand the needs of the City of Petersburg and its citizens," he wrote.

"Together we can do remarkable work in Petersburg that will transform lives, restore hope, and ultimately imbue a new energy of revitalization that will be felt for generations.

"Our proposal represents a historic opportunity to prioritize the Petersburg community and put Virginians first."