A temporary full-service casino in Bristol, Virginia, will hold its grand opening July 8. The 30,000-square-foot ‘Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock’ will feature 900 slots, 20 gaming tables and a sportsbook.

“We are excited to open the casino, and welcome guests,” Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer of Hard Rock International, said in a statement. “As Virginia’s first casino, ‘Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock’ will be a wonderful addition to the Hard Rock global portfolio of dining, hotel and entertainment properties.”

A store on the property will offer Hard Rock merchandise. Entertainment and food options will include a new restaurant, a grab-and-go outlet and a bar and lounge. According to Hard Rock, the temporary casino will create 600 new jobs.

The property was previously a regional shopping mall.

The permanent casino and hotel will be built on the property. In an announcement in 2020, officials with the project said it will result in more than 2,000 direct jobs and four million visitors annually. The casino is scheduled to feature more than 2,100 slots and 100 table games. A 3,200-seat Hard Rock Live and an outdoor area with capacity for up to 20,000 are also part of the project. The hotel is expected to have 750 guest rooms. Seven restaurants, four bars and 50,000 square feet of convention space are also part of the project.

Bristol, Virginia, and its bordering sister city Bristol, Tennessee, are regarded as the birthplace of country music. Hard Rock Bristol’s memorabilia will be country music-orientated with items from legends such as Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams. 

The Seminole Tribe is the parent entity of Hard Rock International.