Nestled near the bustling thoroughfare of Interstate I-95, the announcement of a new venture has emerged—a proposal for the expansive Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, designed to be a prime tourist attraction and an economic boon for the Old Dominion state. The masterminds behind this ambitious project, Cordish and Bruce Smith Enterprises, delivered their master plan as a response to a call for proposals from the City of Petersburg, Virginia. This partnership, which brings together the expertise of Cordish and the influence of NFL Hall of Fame inductee and Virginia’s own Bruce Smith, is not new; the entities have cooperated on various initiatives since 2008.
Spearheading the development is a casino and resort endeavor boasting over 400,000 square feet of entertainment, including a full-service gaming floor, luxurious hotel accommodations, and a cornucopia of culinary delights. Gamers and leisure-seekers alike can anticipate the allure of 1,600 state-of-the-art slot machines, 46 tables offering the excitement of live-action games, a poker room for the card aficionados, a dedicated high limit slots area, and a cutting-edge sportsbook for betting enthusiasts.
Beyond the thrill of gaming, the proposed venue promises a range of other amenities aimed at delivering an unparalleled guest experience. Plans include a 200-room hotel for a comfortable stay, a sizable 3,000-seat entertainment venue to host a variety of live performances, eight diverse dining options to satisfy every palate, and ample free surface parking for visitors’ convenience.
The pace of development is brisk, with ambitions to unveil an initial phase of the casino within the coming year. This inaugural stage is to feature 1,000 slot machines, 23 gaming tables, a poker room, a casino bar, a restaurant, and parking facilities to kick off the Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia experience.
Cordish emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of their joint venture, marking the first time in the gaming and hospitality industry that a minority-owned business enterprise partners as a co-development lead. This historic collaboration ensures that the Petersburg ownership team, which accounts for half of the equity participation, will represent the most significant minority ownership stake in the industry within the United States. Envisioned as a model for future ventures in Virginia and beyond, the project assembles a prestigious group of minority businesses and influential individuals, including ex-NFL player Billy McMullen and the legacy-rich Reynolds Family of Reynolds Metals fame.
Zed Smith, the Cordish chief operating officer, expressed immense pride in the collaboration with Bruce Smith and his team. Smith articulated the shared commitment to sustained investment, job creation, and community enrichment. “We are committed to excellence, creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, and treating our team members and communities like family,” Zed Smith stated.
Bruce Smith, with two decades of development experience in Virginia, echoed the sentiment, highlighting a shared vision and understanding of the needs of the City of Petersburg and its residents. “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,” Smith commented.
Cordish’s expertise in casino projects stretches across the US, with notable establishments like the Hard Rock Hotel & Casinos in Hollywood and Tampa, Florida. Their current portfolio includes Live! branded sites in Maryland and Philadelphia, and they’re in the process of constructing Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, set to open its doors in 2025.
Despite the excitement surrounding the proposal, it is subject to certain preconditions. The green light from the Virginia governor, the City of Petersburg’s approval, and the successful acquisition of relevant licensing are all essential to bring this vision to fruition. With hope riding high, this venture stands poised to set a precedent for diversity in ownership and inclusive economic growth, while providing a new landmark of entertainment in Virginia.
