Proposed Location for Headwaters Casino Unveiled
The Pamunkey Tribe, in a recent move, has proposed a revised location for their transitional Headwaters Casino. Their new pick? The Harbor Park parking lot. Originally, the tribe had aimed to build the casino within the stadium itself, but this idea was nixed by Norfolk officials in 2021 due to concerns over new construction specifications.
The U-Turn
Last summer, the tribal council put forth a bold proposal to build a multimillion-dollar casino within the confines of Harbor Park stadium. The plan included a 300-room hotel, 150 table games, and approximately 3000 slot machines. Citing city specifications, Norfolk officials turned down the proposal in July of the same year.
Since then, the tribe has been drafting a new plan—one that appeases the city's concerns. In a recent submission, they've suggested building the casino in the stadium's parking lot instead of within the stadium itself.
The New Blueprint
The new proposal includes constructing a temporary casino on half a million dollars’ worth of land, which would occupy roughly 45,000 square feet—equivalent to about 300 parking spaces. The tribe has also requested permission to erect a 35-foot interim casino that would generate revenue while the permanent structure is being built.
This stopgap casino will offer gaming machines, a bar, and a restaurant for guests. Visitors will be able to enjoy a few games, grab a drink, and even dine while the permanent facility is prepared.
The proposal has already been presented to city officials, who are currently Deliberating on the matter. The tribe fervently hopes for a favorable response from the city council. If given the green light, construction is expected to be completed within six months.
The temporary casino will remain operational until the permanent one opens, though no official timeline has been set. The tribe is hopeful that the entire process will be wrapped up by 2024.
Recent collaborations between the city, the tribe, and Boyd Gaming suggest that the project is moving forward, with a ceremonial groundbreaking scheduled for October 30, 2024, on the Harbor Park site. The target date for acquiring the state gaming license is November 5, 2025, so construction timelines are critical. A transitional casino is slated to open by October 2025, with the permanent resort, including 1500 slots, 50 tables, and a 200-room hotel, targeted for August 2027. Delays in construction could jeopardize the project, as the timeline is already tight due to a 2020 voter approval and a 2024–2025 construction window.
- The Pamunkey Tribe has proposed a new location for the transitional Headwaters Casino, suggesting the Harbor Park parking lot.
- The revised plan includes constructing a temporary casino in the Harbor Park parking lot, with a 35-foot interim casino and a subsequent permanent facility.
- The temporary casino, once built, is expected to offer gaming machines, a bar, and a restaurant to visitors.
- City officials are currently deliberating on the proposal, and the tribe hopes for a favorable response from the city council.
- If given the green light, construction would be completed within six months, with the permanent resort expected to open in August 2027.
- The proposed casino, once operational, promises to bring an influx of casino-and-gambling trends, particularly slot machines, table games, and the casino-culture, typically seen in Las Vegas, to the city.
