Casino resort Caesars Virginia opens its doors today, aiming to boost Danville's economy

The casino resort is 587,000 square feet and has 1,500 slot machines, bars, lounges, six restaurants 79 table games, a Caesars Sportsbook area and more. One of the most anticipated restaurants coming to Caesars Virginia is Ramsay’s Kitchen, which is owned by well-known chef Gordon Ramsay.

Chris Albrecht, the General Manager of Caesars Virginia, told WFMY News 2 that he expects the casino resort to attract thousands of visitors. 

City manager Ken Larking said that it's been amazing to watch the former Brownfield site transform into such a grand and popular destination. He added that Caesars officially cutting that ribbon tomorrow will be a huge and exciting day for the River City.

"It should be interesting to see the spectacle of all that and to see how many people are wanting to come check out the casino for the first time. Whether they're long-time customers of Caesars or just people who are interested and curious. So, I'm sure the parking lots are going to be full,” Larking said.

According to Larking, Danville is expected to rake in about $32 million per year from the permanent casino in gaming taxes and revenue. They've already generated $29 million up to October of this year from the temporary casino since it opened last May.

That money goes toward important projects and improvements for the community.

"Helping the schools do better, helping with workforce development, helping with the economic opportunity and quality of life and the things that make the community a great place to live and so to be able for those resources toward activities and help improve the lives of people here in Danville has been pretty cool,” Larking added.

Opening day festivities include a parade through Danville in the morning followed by speeches from Caesars Entertainment executives, Eastern Band Cherokee Indian representatives, and other community leaders in front of the casino resort’s main entrance before the doors open to the public. In the evening, there will be a fireworks and drone display. 

Timeline of Opening Day Festivities for Caesars Virginia

Parade of race cars and supercars through Danville

• Time: 10:15 a.m.
• Where: The route will start at the corner of Main and Craghead Street and end at Caesars Virginia.
• Five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman will be the parade’s master of ceremonies.

Remarks from community leaders

• Time: 11 a.m. 
• Where: Casino resort’s main entrance 
• Caesars Entertainment executives, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian representatives, and local leaders are expected to give speeches.

Fireworks and drone show

• Time: 8 p.m.
• The fireworks and drone display will light up the night sky above the resort and Danville.