Norfolk Leases City Property to Boyd Gaming for Casino Construction

Norfolk is setting the stage for a significant development in the local entertainment scene by leasing approximately four acres of city-owned land to Boyd Gaming. This will facilitate the casino construction of a $750 million casino project situated next to the Harbor Park Minor League Baseball stadium.

This week, the Norfolk City Council approved the Boyd Gaming Corporation lease, enabling them to use the land for construction staging, parking, and equipment management.

Key Lease Details

Initial Payment: Boyd will pay $5,000 per month, amounting to $60,000 annually for using 3.87 acres.
Lease Duration: The lease is valid until December 31, 2027.
Flexible Payments: During the final year, Boyd is allowed to adjust the rental payment based on the area they occupy.
Rent Increases: The monthly rent is set to increase by 3% on each anniversary of the lease start date.

Norfolk Casino Development

The new Norfolk casino is being developed in collaboration with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, which is the city’s exclusive gaming developer. This follows a 2020 decision by Virginia lawmakers to allow commercial gaming in the city.

Initially proposed as a tribal casino, the project transitioned to a commercial format after the Pamunkey Tribe sold its majority stake to Boyd Gaming. Following this acquisition, Boyd has fast-tracked the construction licensing and approval process, with construction expected to ramp up significantly in the coming months.

Additionally, the casino blueprint includes:

200-room hotel
1,500 slot machines and 50 table games
A sportsbook for betting
Eight dining and beverage outlets
A fully equipped gym
A rooftop deck for leisure and entertainment
13,000 square feet of meeting space for conferences and events
A 1,000-space parking garage, including designated spots for Amtrak clients

Temporary Casino Plans

In the interim, Boyd is required to launch a temporary casino on-site by **November 15**. This is a stipulation from the local referendum approved by Norfolk voters, which mandates that some form of gaming commence at the designated location within a five-year threshold following approval.

The temporary casino, dubbed “The Interim Gaming Hall,” will feature 130 slots, without table games or sports betting facilities, and is expected to operate seven days a week, from 10 am until 2 am. The venue will also provide food and drink options, including alcohol, through an on-site food truck.

Community Impact

The Norfolk casino development is estimated to create around 850 jobs, significantly boosting local employment and contributing to economic growth in the area. As the project unfolds, the city anticipates that the casino will draw visitors, thereby enhancing tourism and local commerce.

With plans solidifying to open by **2027**, this casino initiative is poised to dramatically transform Norfolk’s entertainment landscape, providing both immediate and long-term benefits for its residents.