PETERSBURG, Va. – Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies today celebrated the groundbreaking of the new LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL VIRGINIA in Petersburg. Today’s milestone officially commences construction on a transformative project that will generate billions of dollars in economic benefits and spinoff development, create thousands of new jobs, and set a new standard for gaming, hotels, and entertainment in the Commonwealth. Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is part of a larger $1.4 billion master plan by the partnership, scheduled to be developed in phases, that will bring a world-class mixed-use resort destination to Petersburg.

Executives from Bruce Smith Enterprise, The Cordish Companies, and Cordish Gaming were joined by Petersburg City Mayor Sam Parham and members of Petersburg City Council, Virginia State Senator Lashrecse Aird, Virginia State Delegate Kim Taylor, and many other business and community leaders at the project site in Petersburg. The development site, ideally located on Brasfield Parkway at the intersection of Wagner Road and Interstate I-95 just 20 miles south of Richmond, will provide easy access on and off the East Coast’s major north-south interstate.

Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is slated to open in 2027. A temporary gaming facility will open by the end of 2025 to immediately begin creating an estimated 500 new jobs, vendor opportunities and economic benefits for the City. In its first 10 years, the project is expected to generate $2.8 billion in economic stimulus to the region; $504 million in tax revenues including $240 million to the City of Petersburg; $802 million in economic benefits during construction; $201 million in annual economic benefits each year after opening; and 7,500 new jobs including 6,100 during construction and 1,400 new permanent jobs.

Upon completion in 2027, the world-class Live! Casino & Hotel destination will feature:

• More than 450,000 square feet of first-class gaming, hotel and dining space
• 75,000 square feet of meeting, convention and entertainment space including a 4,000 seat state-of-the-art venue for concerts and special events from top talent from across Virginia and the greater region
• An upscale 200-room hotel featuring 20 suites, resort pool and fitness center
• 1,600 state-of-the-art slot machines
• 65 live action table games, including a 22-table poker room
• High limit slot and table areas
• Sportsbook
• 10 best-in-class food and entertainment options, including local partners
• Free parking

The temporary facility, scheduled to open by the end of this year, will include approximately:

• 75,000 square feet of gaming space
• 900 state-of-the-art slots
• 33 live action table games
• Casino bar and quick service restaurant
• 1,000 free parking spots

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Live! is an economic engine in communities where its properties are located and places a high priority on hiring local residents. Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies are committed to making the same impact with the creation of 1,400 new living-wage jobs averaging $70,000 in annual compensation with life enhancing benefits and career mobility.

Job opportunities will be available in every field, including gaming and hotel operations, finance, marketing, human resources, information technologies, food and beverage, facilities, security and surveillance, and more. Live! will partner with local educational institutions to provide training programs for jobs within the complex, including gaming and hospitality positions. The partnership is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. Local residents will have ample opportunities to learn about jobs at Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia through programs such as:

• Pre-opening community-based job fairs
• Local job placement workshops
• Online job postings, job matching and customized recruitment services
• Contractor mentoring and apprenticeships
• Community-based information sessions on job opportunities and training programs
• Community College and University partnerships for job placement

For more information, please visit https://valive.casino/.

VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES

Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia will purchase tens of millions of dollars in goods and services in the region. As recognized leaders in community outreach with unparalleled track records of supporting local and regional businesses, Live! is committed to utilizing and supporting local, regional, minority, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses by providing them access to contract opportunities. Our procurement team will maintain an internal database of diverse contractors and suppliers that will be used for future bid opportunities. The following are some of the categories of goods and services to be purchased:

• 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 take place on April 9th from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Petersburg Public Library for local businesses and contractors to learn more about the project. Registration is not required to attend.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, INVOLVEMENT & BENEFITS

Live! will serve as a transformative development, creating maximum community benefits for the City of Petersburg and its residents. The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise have long embraced a strong approach to community integration and involvement. The partners are committed to supporting non-profit organizations in Petersburg, acting as conveners to assist community organizations and non-profits in their fundraising efforts and volunteerism, an endemic value to their cultures. The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith are consistently named among the largest supporters of non-profits and philanthropic organizations in markets where they do business and recognized as valued community partners.

Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia will be developed, owned, and managed by Petersburg Community Development Investors, LLC and its affiliates. Authorization of a casino in Petersburg is subject to licensing by applicable Commonwealth agencies including the Virginia Lottery.

More details will be shared in the coming months. New information will be posted to the website as available at https://valive.casino/.

Hotel website

Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia
Virginia, VA United States