Caesars Entertainment launches campaign, committee in hopes to bring casino to Danville
DANVILLE, Va. (WSET) -- Caesars Entertainment announced their formal launch of the “Caesars For Danville” referendum campaign and committee, marking another step forward in the development of Caesars Virginia Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Caesars Virginia is a proposed $400 million premier resort and casino to open in 2023.
Danville voters will have the opportunity to vote yes and bring 900 construction jobs, 1,300 operational jobs and over $34 million annually in additional gaming tax revenue to the city.
“Caesars Entertainment has a long history of enriching the communities we serve, whether that be through our commitment to social responsibility or through our proven record of creating exhilarating experiences at our world-class resorts,” said Anthony Carano, president and chief operating officer for Caesars Entertainment. “Our diverse collection of destinations across the U.S. are synonymous with unparalleled service, impressive benefits through our Caesars Rewards loyalty program, superstar entertainment talent and culinary excellence. We will bring these same phenomenal offerings to the people of Danville to enjoy.”
The resort will include at least 300 hotel rooms, full-service spa, pool, world-class casino gaming floor, a 2,500-seat state-of-the-art live entertainment theater, 35,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, exciting bars and restaurants.
Planning to break ground in late 2021, early 2022, the development will transform the old Dan River Mills Schoolfield site and create a tourism engine for Danville and the region.
The four co-chairs for the “Caesars for Danville” campaign committee include:
- Delegate Danny Marshall
- Mayor Alonzo Jones
- Dr. Tiffany Franks of Averett University
- Tammy Wright-Warren (a minority investor in the project)
The Committee’s Co-Chairs will advise and support the campaign committee and its efforts to see the successful passage of the referendum.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community and breathes life back into an old industrial site. I hope my fellow residents will join me in voting yes to bring Caesars to Danville," said Jones.
However, not all Danville residents are in support for the project.
"I don't know that I think it would be good for a majority of people," one Danville resident said.
Voters in Danville can support the “Caesars for Danville” referendum by voting yes on Nov. 3. Early voting begins Sept. 18.
"I wanted to be a voice for our community, I want to be there for them for all the questions that they have for Caesars," Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones said.
He said that he is aware that the community is split on the possible addition of the casino.
"There are some people who have concerns over possible crime, what kind of crime the casino may bring," Jones said. "Then there are some who are really excited about the revenue."
A representative from Caesars said opinions, both positive and negative, should be brought to town hall meetings which are set to begin after Labor Day.
"Every citizen will have the opportunity to come out and ask whatever questions they want, raise whatever concerns they want so that we can address them," Tony Rodio, the Strategic Advisor for Caesars Entertainment, said.
For more information on the project, visit here.