Project Details

The Caesars Virginia project at Schoolfield presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Danville and can serve as a model for transformation of a former industrial property.

The Resort

On the former site of Dan River Mills’ Schoolfield Division, Caesars will invest $400 million to create a world-class resort with:

At least 300 four-star hotel rooms;
Multiple restaurants and bars featuring national, regional, and local chefs;
35,000 square feet of conference space;
A 2,500-seat live entertainment venue;
A state-of-the-art spa; and
A casino that features slot machines, table games, a poker room, and a sports book.

Vote YES for Jobs and Tens of Millions in New Tax Revenue for Danville

Casino resorts provide stable employment for the host community and region. By voting YES on November 3^rd, you can bring 900 construction jobs and 1,300 ongoing jobs to Danville. As discussed immediately below, these are not just jobs; they are opportunities for careers with a global company that invests in its employees and is committed to a promote-from-within culture.

In addition to benefiting from the jobs and amenities associated with this project, the City of Danville will receive tens of millions in new tax revenue that can be invested in local priorities, including education, public safety, and further economic development.

Following passage of the November 3 referendum, Caesars will make an upfront payment of $20 million to the City. City Council has engaged a consultant to assist in determining the best use of these one-time funds.

Within three years of opening, the resort is expected to generate $22 million in gaming taxes annually for the City. In addition, Caesars has agreed to pay an additional subsidy to the City – above and beyond the gaming taxes – based on the resort’s gaming revenues. This annual subsidy is estimated to be $12 million after five years. The resort is also expected to generate more than $4 million in other local taxes, including property, meals, and hotel occupancy taxes.

Sustainable Job Creation

The types of jobs available with Caesars Virginia will be wide-ranging, including entry-level hospitality, slot technicians, accountants, hotel management, table dealers and supervisors, casino management, maintenance and service technicians and valet drivers. The varied types and skill levels of jobs at the resort will provide for a wide base of employment and allow a broad cross-section of the community the opportunity to seek sustainable employment opportunities that, in many cases, allow for significant advancement within the company.

Caesars Virginia will partner with Averett University and Danville Community College to develop robust workforce development programs to ensure that employees have the training that they need and, through tuition reimbursement offerings, will encourage employees to continue their education while working at the resort.

Average wage and benefits packages for full-time employees will be $50,000.00-$55,000.00. Caesars Entertainment prides itself on offering some of the best benefits in the industry and provides a comprehensive package of employee benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance available for the entire family at very competitive rates; company-paid short and long-term disability, life, and AD&D insurance; and 401(k) with a company match. Caesars also supports team member academic goals by reimbursing up to 90% of tuition costs through the company’s Educational Assistance Program.

Tourism Engine

Caesars forms partnerships with local and regional businesses in all the markets in which it operates. The resort will be a strong visitation engine for the community and integrate into the existing tourism infrastructure, creating sustained positive impacts on the region through the generation of millions of annual visits to Danville. Caesars fully expects visitors will spend time both at the casino and in the surrounding community, and the conference center will drive visitation from business and groups and associations during the mid-week period. These visitors will spend portions of their time and money outside of the resort for events, social gatherings, and meals.

In Danville, Caesars expects to

work with the region’s growing outdoor tourism and agritourism industry, along with the area’s arts and history assets, to create unique guest experiences
partner with other local destinations like Virginia International Raceway for events, guest race days, and other interactions; and
partner with the local breweries and restaurants to drive visitors to their businesses.

Caesars anticipates being the magnet that attracts more visitation to the area and positively influences the community.