The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprises hosted a topping out ceremony for its upcoming Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia property in Petersburg, which is expected to launch during late 2027.
"The topping out of Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is a defining moment for this project and a significant milestone in the continued expansion of the Live! brand nationwide," Cordish Companies Chairman & CEO David Cordish said.
"We are incredibly proud to reach this important milestone with our partner, Bruce Smith, our team members, the project team, City of Petersburg and the broader community. We look forward to delivering a project that will generate new jobs, attract significant tourism, drive economic opportunity and serve as a catalyst for the region for decades to come."
The operator was joined by state lawmakers such as Virginia Senator Lashrecse Aird and Petersburg City Mayor Samuel Parham, as well as regional business, community and tourism leaders.
Addressing the construction milestone, Parham said: "Today marks a significant moment in Petersburg's continued transformation. Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia represents a major investment in our city and our people, creating jobs, generating economic opportunity and bringing new energy and activity to Petersburg.
“We thank The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise for their continued partnership in delivering this world-class destination. We are excited to see this transformative project reach this milestone and look forward to the lasting impact it will have on our community and region."
Live! Virginia will host 445,000 sq of gaming and hospitality space, including over 1,600 slot machines, 70 live action table games, a sportsbook and 200-room hotel tower.
Prior to launching the fully developed property, The Cordish Companies previously unveiled a temporary gaming facility at the Live! Virginia site in January.
In October 2025, Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI) purchased the real estate of Live! Casino and Hotel Virginia for $27m and committed $440m in hard cost funding – accretive to GLPI's operating results.
The Cordish Companies and its Live! Casino & Hotels portfolio formed a new partnership with chef Jet Tila on April 21 to launch exclusive menu items in Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Maryland
