KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – The Catawba Nation and its partners celebrated a significant construction milestone with the placement of a ceremonial final beam atop the development of a $1 billion casino and hotel complex in Kings Mountain, NC, near Charlotte. The topping-off ceremony included performances of Catawba Nation drumming and songs and remarks from Catawba Nation leaders and others before the special beam – signed before the ceremony by Catawba leaders, citizens and partners – was hoisted by crane to the top of the casino.
“This final beam doesn’t just reflect the erection of a structure but the rise of a nation,” said Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris. “The Catawba Nation’s resilience and unity have been key – our team always finds a way forward. We have overcome challenges through strong intergovernmental relationships, transparent communication with our financial partners and an unwavering commitment to our long-term vision.
“The casino resort is a multiphase, master-planned destination that will create a regional anchor for tourism and economic activity. But it will be much more than a business venture – it represents economic sovereignty, job creation and a lasting foundation for the next generation of Catawba citizens,” said Harris.
He noted the topping-off ceremony symbolizes the structural completion of major components and that construction is on schedule for substantial completion in spring 2026.
Among others speaking at the ceremony were members of the Catawba Nation Executive Council; U.S. Rep. Tim Moore, whose district in North Carolina includes Kings Mountain; Rob Wagman, Mayor of Kings Mountain; Trent Troxel, Vice President, Catawba Nation Gaming Authority; Aaron Thomas, President and CEO, Metcon Buildings & Infrastructure; Chet Nadolsky, Chief Operating Officer, Yates Construction; Nory Hazaveh, Principal, SOSHNY Architects; and Lou Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Delaware North, the project developer and lead consultant for gaming and hospitality.
The project’s introductory casino phase remains on target to open in spring 2026. The introductory casino will include 1,350 slot machines, 22 table games, a 68-seat restaurant, an 18-seat bar, sports betting kiosks and Lucky North Rewards desk. It will replace the current temporary (prelaunch) casino after opening in July 2021.
Construction of the overall casino complex is progressing, including the introductory casino on the first level, three levels of covered parking, a back-of-house level and top level with the main casino floor and restaurants. Work also continues on the 24-story, 385-room hotel, which is now at its full height and being connected to the casino.
The main casino complex is scheduled to open in spring 2027. It will be about two million sq. ft. and feature the hotel; 4,300 slot machines; 100 table games; 11 dining outlets, including a steakhouse, Italian restaurant, marketplace with six venues, café and grab-and-go outlet; a players lounge; 11 bars, including a center bar and sports bar; and 3,500 parking spaces via a 2,700-space parking garage built under the casino complex and 800 surface parking spaces. The casino and hotel will feature 45 digitally enabled elevators.
According to Yates-Metcon, the joint venture that is the general contractor, to date the construction team has placed 54 million pounds of steel beams using over 100,000 bolts and has poured over 103,000 cubic yards of concrete.
The project has already created hundreds of construction jobs. Upon completion, the casino resort will employ an estimated 2,200 regional residents and citizens of the Catawba Nation.
Harris noted the temporary casino is contributing to many community and charitable organizations in the region, and that will only increase as the full casino resort opens. The Catawba Nation Foundation recently announced $800,000 in grants for non-profit organizations serving the Catawba Nation, Cleveland County and Native American communities throughout North Carolina.
