PORTSMOUTH, Va., July 26, 2025 — Rush Street Gaming and Rivers Casino Portsmouth today announced S.B. Ballard Construction Company as the general contractor of The Landing Hotel—a $65 million privately funded development and upcoming addition to the casino’s world-class entertainment and hospitality offerings.
Construction is expected to start on Victory Boulevard this summer, and the hotel is expected to open in early 2027.
S.B. Ballard Construction successfully completed the construction of the 270,000 square feet gaming and entertainment complex, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, which opened as Virginia’s first permanent casino in January 2023.
“We are proud to continue our investment in Portsmouth and to be working again with a local company to expand our offerings for the Hampton Roads community and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Tim Drehkoff, CEO of Rush Street Gaming and Rivers Casino Portsmouth.
The Landing Hotel Portsmouth will utilize local minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses in every phase of its construction and operation. S.B. Ballard will cultivate and select prospective subcontractors and suppliers with an emphasis on SWaM and DBE vendors.
The Landing Hotel project will bring roughly 200 new temporary construction jobs to the region and 60 new permanent positions to Rivers Casino Portsmouth.
In addition to the new hospitality tax for the City of Portsmouth, the hotel is expected to drive additional local commerce and gaming, restaurant, conference, and event revenues by supporting weekend and overnight visits to the area.
The Landing Hotel Portsmouth will be an upscale eight-story destination directly adjacent to Rivers Casino Portsmouth—overlooking the property’s water feature. The hotel will have 106 well-appointed and generously sized guest rooms, including 32 expansive suites, among them two ‘super suites’ providing both indoor and outdoor space. A sophisticated Lobby Bar is planned near the reception area on the first floor, where two private executive board rooms and other amenities will also be available.
“This project represents more than just a new hotel—it’s a continued investment in Portsmouth’s future,” states S.B. Ballard CEO and owner Stephen Ballard. “We’re honored to collaborate with Rush Street Gaming and Rivers Casino on The Landing Hotel, bringing together our shared commitment to quality, community, and long-term growth. From design through delivery, we’re proud to be building a landmark that reflects the strength of this partnership and the promise of this city. This is another step forward in the economic development of Portsmouth and the region.”
The Landing Hotel Portsmouth will be independently owned and operated by Rivers Casino and Rush Street Gaming, which also owns and operates The Landing Hotel in Pittsburgh and Schenectady and Riversuites in Philadelphia.