As construction continues on the new Live! Casino Virginia, the developers are launching a series of community career fairs to prepare for the first phase of the resort’s opening.

The hiring events begin Thursday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the new Live! Recruitment Center at 1501 W. Washington St. in the former Pepsi warehouse. Job seekers can meet the hiring team, tour the space and take part in interviews. 

Additional job fair sessions are scheduled for Nov. 7 from 1 to 8 p.m. and Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The recruitment center will remain open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for applicants who wish to complete job forms in person. 

Roughly 80% of Petersburg voters approved the $1.4 billion casino resort project last year, a proposal twice rejected by Richmond voters. 

“Voter approval follows a three-year journey on this transformative project that will bring positive change to Petersburg for generations,” said Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham. 

Developers estimate the casino will create about 500 permanent jobs, including more than 100 table games dealer positions. Other openings will span hotel and gaming operations, finance, marketing, food and beverage, and security. 

When the referendum passed, the company projected more than 7,500 construction and related jobs over the next decade. The project is expected to contribute nearly $2.8 billion to the regional economy and generate $240 million in tax revenue for the city. 

“This destination resort, casino, retail and residential development will be the largest economic and tourism project in Petersburg’s history,” Parham said. 

Pending regulatory approval, the first phase is expected to open in January. It will include a temporary 75,000-square-foot casino tent featuring 900 slot machines, 33 live table games, and a bar and restaurant. 

The full resort, slated to open in 2027, will feature 200 guest rooms, including 20 suites, along with a pool and fitness center. 

Live! Casino Virginia is being co-developed by The Cordish Cos. and Bruce Smith Enterprise. Smith, a former NFL player and Virginia native, has developed several properties across the state and Mid-Atlantic region. 

“For far too long, people have simply driven by the City of Petersburg, but today marks the beginning of a new era,” Smith said during the March groundbreaking. “Petersburg will become a prime destination.”