Norfolk is gearing up for the launch of the HeadWaters Resort & Casino, a $750 million project anticipated to open in late 2024. This development is projected to generate over 800 new jobs as construction progresses near Harbor Park.
The resort will feature a sprawling 65,000-square-foot casino, a 200-room hotel, live entertainment venues, and outdoor facilities aimed at attracting visitors from Hampton Roads and beyond.
Ron Bailey, a representative from Boyd Gaming, one of the stakeholders in the project, expressed confidence in the construction team's efficiency. He stated, “The construction team is doing such a great job of keeping us on task and on schedule that we’re going to be ready to open in the latter part of next year.” He emphasized that this project will bring more job opportunities to the local community.
Currently, over 300 workers from Yates Construction and S.B. Ballard are on-site daily. Work is also advancing on the parking garage adjacent to the casino, with construction reaching its upper levels.
“The garage itself, as you can see, is moving very quickly. I think we’re on the sixth and seventh floors,” Bailey noted. “The hotel is moving up very quickly and the casino floor, as you can see, the construction there is going very well.”
In the meantime, gaming operations continue at the interim gaming hall located in front of the construction site. This temporary facility has been operational since November 2022 and will be replaced by a new entrance when the permanent resort opens.
Bailey remarked, “I see the light at the end of the tunnel.” He added that the interim facility has been performing well as anticipated.
Construction on the Park Avenue development began nearly a year ago and is now becoming increasingly visible from Interstate 264, with cranes and heavy machinery reshaping the waterfront area of downtown Norfolk.
This project is set to emerge as one of Norfolk’s premier entertainment venues, blending gaming, hospitality, and event spaces.
“We can really see the shape of the building coming through,” Bailey concluded. “What’s going to be inside, which is most important, and so we’re looking forward to showing that to the Hampton Roads region.”