A major construction milestone is about to be reached for the Catawba Nation’s ambitious $1 billion casino project in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. The tribe and its partners will hold a topping-off ceremony on October 27 at 11 a.m., during which the final steel beam will be lifted into place atop the new Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort.
The beam—signed by tribal leaders, project officials, and local dignitaries—will symbolize the progress of the massive project, which is set to redefine the region’s entertainment and economic landscape. Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris will deliver remarks at the ceremony alongside representatives from Delaware North, Yates-Metcon, and Soshny Architects.
A Historic Project Rooted in Catawba Heritage
Located about 35 miles west of Charlotte near the North Carolina–South Carolina border, the Two Kings Casino name honors the Catawba Nation’s history and the area’s deep cultural ties. It references both the 18th-century tribal leader Chief King Hagler and the City of Kings Mountain, reflecting a blend of past and future significance for the tribe.
According to project officials, the development is under the direction of the Catawba Nation Gaming Authority, led by Vice President Trent Troxel. Construction is being managed by Yates-Metcon, with Delaware North serving as the developer and consultant for both gaming and hospitality operations, and Soshny Architects overseeing design.
When fully completed, the Two Kings Casino Resort will occupy roughly 2 million square feet, featuring an expansive hotel, casino, dining, and entertainment complex designed to compete with major regional destinations.
The upcoming event celebrates more than a construction milestone—it also signifies the transition from the tribe’s temporary casino, which opened in July 2021, to a permanent, full-scale resort. The temporary facility has served as an early preview for visitors while generating economic benefits for the community.
The first phase of the permanent project—referred to as the introductory casino—is scheduled to open in spring 2026. This section will feature 1,350 slot machines, 22 table games, a 68-seat restaurant, an 18-seat bar, sports betting kiosks, and a Lucky North Rewards desk. It will occupy the lower level of the main complex and include three levels of covered parking, a back-of-house floor, and a gaming area with restaurants.
Meanwhile, work continues on the 24-story, 385-room hotel, which has now reached its full structural height and is being connected directly to the casino. Once operational, the project is expected to create approximately 2,200 jobs for both local residents and members of the Catawba Nation.
Grand Opening Plans for 2027
The main casino resort, slated for completion in spring 2027, will expand the operation to an estimated 4,300 slot machines and 100 table games. Plans also call for 11 dining venues, including a steakhouse, Italian restaurant, café, and marketplace, along with 11 bars such as a sports bar and a central bar area. The property will also feature a players lounge, a 2,700-space parking garage, and 800 surface parking spaces, accommodating up to 3,500 vehicles in total.
The full-scale resort will ultimately serve as a destination for entertainment, lodging, and gaming across the Carolinas. The project’s developers describe it as both a modern economic engine and a cultural touchstone for the Catawba Nation, combining contemporary amenities with deep respect for heritage.
According to CDC Gaming, representatives expected to attend the October 27 ceremony include Delaware North CEO Lou Jacobs, Metcon President and CEO Aaron Thomas, Yates Construction COO Chet Nadolsky, Yates-Metcon Senior VP Jeff Cross, and Soshny Architects Principal Nory Hazaveh, among others. Their presence underscores the importance of the topping-off event in bringing one of the Southeast’s most significant gaming projects closer to reality.
