Proposed Location Revealed for Headwaters Casino Expansion
Loosenin' Up in Norfolk: Pamunkey Tribe's Casino Plan Choogles Forward
The Pamunkey Tribe, a recognized Virginia tribe, has shifted gears in their plan to establish the Headwaters Resort & Casino in Norfolk, Virginia. From the stadium itself to the Harbor Park parking lot, these Native American trailblazers are on a roll!
Rollin' the Dice, Last Round
Back in the summer of 2020, the Pamunkey Tribe dropped a massive casino proposal on Norfolk city officials. Their plan? A jaw-dropping half-billy complex consisting of 150 table games, a 300-room hotel, and, drumroll please, approximately 3000 slot machines! City officials, however, didn't break a sweat, nixing the idea in July of the same year. Fear not, the Pamunkey Tribe had already started drafting a snazzy new proposal.
A New Spin on an Old Proposal
Fast forward to recent times, and the tribe is back in the game with a fresh spin on their casino dream. Instead of building the casino within Harbor Park Stadium itself, they are now eyeing the stadium's parking lot. A flat 45,000 square feet of parkin' space, this area is expected to hold their temporary casino setup.
Tempin' It Up
If given the green light, Norfolk residents can expect the temporary casino to boast a flurry of gaming machines, a bar for cold ones, and even a dine-in restaurant. It's gonna be a hootenanny, y'all! The Pamunkey Tribe has already pitched their plan to city officials, with a response from the city council eagerly awaited.
The Road Ahead
Should they score a touchdown with the city, the temporary casino construction is projected to wrap up within a scant six months. This pop-up casino is set to operate while the permanent casinos get built. No official timeline for the grand opening of the permanent casino has been shared, but the Pamunkey Tribe is keepin' their fingers crossed for a 2024 launch.
[1] As of early May 2025, the permanent casino complex is approved, but it remains unclear whether the temporary Headwaters Casino in the Harbor Park parking lot has begun construction. The project marks the first and only casino in Norfolk built and operated by a recognized Virginia tribe, featuring 150 table games, 3,000 video slots, a 300-room hotel with spa and pool, and an entertainment complex. (source: [link redacted is not included in the original prompt])
[2] In the interim, the Pamunkey Tribe's proposed temporary casino-and-gambling venue could breathe life into the Harbor Park parking lot, transforming it into a bustling hub of casino-games like slots and table games.
[3] Meanwhile, the city council's approval of the Pamunkey Tribe's casino plan for Norfolk undeniably sets the stage for the emergence of casino culture in the city, much like that found in renowned Las Vegas casinos and the persona of its casino-personalities.
[4] If the temporary casino operation piques the interest of Norfolk's residents, it may fuel anticipation for the tribe's grand permanent casino, harkening back to the casino industry's thrilling slot machines and diverse casino-games.
[5] The proposed casino venture brings the excitement of gaming, dining, and entertainment to Norfolk, expanding the region's hospitality offerings and potentially attracting tourist traffic from neighboring cities and beyond.
[6] This casino project, when fully realized, signifies a significant milestone for the Pamunkey Tribe, furthering their standing as a pioneering force in American casino culture, much like other tribal casinos across the country.
