The Norfolk, Virginia planning commission recently approved the Pamunkey Tribe’s request for a conditional use permit to open a temporary HeadWaters Casino at Harbor Park.
The city council will now consider the request. The venue, located on the Elizabeth River, houses the city’s minor league baseball team, the Tides, the Hits at the Park restaurant and the Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker Boxing and Fitness Center, which has been closed for more than two years; it will temporarily move to the Park Place Multi-Service Center.
The temporary casino would be located in the boxing and fitness center’s first and second floors along with a high-end sports bar and grill on the second floor. Developers also requested permission to construct a tent and temporary office space, which would be removed within six months after the facility closes and the permanent HeadWaters Resort & Casino opens in 2024.
Rodney Ferguson, executive vice president at the Pamunkey Indian Tribal Gaming Authority, told the planning commission the temporary casino, a non-smoking facility, will offer 625 slot machines and electronic table games.
“It will be a first step into the Norfolk market that will showcase what HeadWaters can actually do,” he said. He said the venue will employ 275 workers, including 90 percent locals and half of those from minority groups.
Tribal officials said the permanent venue will include a 300-room convention hotel, numerous restaurants, entertainment venue, spa and pools. It’s expected to create 2,000 construction jobs.
Construction on the temporary casino could begin soon after the tribe receives a gaming license from the Virginia Lottery Commission on July 20.
