The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol, Virginia, has announced the appointment of industry veteran Allie Evangelista as the property’s new president.
The resort is set to open in the second quarter of 2022 and will include 30,000 square feet of casino space including 900 slots, 20 table games and a sportsbook.
Evangelista will report directly to Hard Rock International CEO Jon Lucas, who said her life and career :has embodied the American success story.”
“Allie has worked in every aspect of the gaming and hospitality industries and will bring this impressive experience to her role as President of the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol,” Lucas said. “Allie already has hit the ground running and is busy assembling a talented team to operate the resort.”
Evangelista began her career in 2006, working as an assistant slot operations manager in Missouri. She later worked in Iowa, Maryland and Missouri, taking on a number of leadership positions at several casinos. Mostly recently, Evangelista was vice president and general manager of the Hollywood Casino in Perryville, Maryland.
Commenting on her new role, Evangelista said, “I look forward to embracing the community in Bristol and working with the many partners who have been instrumental in supporting the project. As the ‘Birthplace of Country Music,’ Bristol is rich in history and culture. As someone with a passion for exploring new and diverse opportunities, I am excited to experience the region’s natural beauty and its many wonderful music, entertainment and recreational offerings.
“As a destination-resort, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol will be a perfect complement to the world-class events and attractions that draw millions of visitors to the Tri-Cities, including ones across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee,” she said.
The temporary Bristol Casino is slated to open before the end of the second quarter. In addition to gaming, guests can enjoy dining and a sports bar and lounge with entertainment, along with an adjacent smoking sports lounge. Hard Rock’s temporary casino will create 600 new jobs.
