The Catawba Nation and its partners reach a construction milestone with the topping-off ceremony for a $1 billion casino and hotel complex in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. The project aims to enhance regional tourism and economic activity while ensuring job creation for about 2,200 individuals upon completion. The introductory phase is set to open in spring 2026, with the entire complex planned for spring 2027. KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. Nov. 4, 2025 – 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, N.C., near Charlotte on Monday, Oct. 27. 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,” Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris said. “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,” Harris said. 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; 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, which continues to grow in popularity 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 2 million square feet 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. Catawba Two Kings Casino hotel construction hotel development resort development Catawba Two Kings Casino The Catawba Nation’s temporary Catawba Two Kings Casino is located about 35 miles west of Charlotte at 538 Kings Mountain Blvd. in Kings Mountain, N.C., just off Interstate 85 at Exit 5. It features over 1,100 gaming machines, including electronic table games (ETGs), 14 live table games, North Carolina’s closest sportsbook to Charlotte and casual dining. The permanent casino resort is being developed on an adjacent site and is expected to open with an introductory phase in spring 2026. The final Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort will feature 4,300 slots, 100 live table games, 11 dining outlets, 11 bars and a 385-room hotel. It is creating hundreds of construction jobs and is expected to create 2,200 permanent jobs in the region.

The Two Kings name celebrates the Catawba Nation’s history and hopeful future in their ancestral lands in North Carolina, paying tribute to the 18th century Catawba Chief King Hagler and the City of Kings Mountain. For more information visit www.twokingscasino.com , https://www.facebook.com/TwoKingsCasino/ , https://www.instagram.com/twokingscasino/ and https://twitter.com/twokingscasino . www.twokingscasino.com Suggested Reading Developer of Ill-Fated $800M Lake Norman Project Plans Hotel, Spa and Cottages Joe Marusak, The Charlotte ObserverThe Charlotte Observer Longtime Lake Norman developer Jake Palillo wants a 45-room hotel with a spa and 10 rental cottages in a fast-growing area east of Interstate 77 in Cornelius, town planning documents show. Palillo made headlines in 2023 with his ill-fated, $800 million Lagoona Bay... Maya Hotels Opens 124-Room Hilton Garden Inn Steele Creek Charlotte in North Carolina Charlotte, NC – August 19, 2026 –Today Maya Hotels announced the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Steele Creek Charlotte, a new 124-room hotel at 4936 Trojan Drive in Steele Creek, positioned at the gateway to the River District and directly adjacent to Charlotte Premium Outlets. The opening comes as Steele Creek... Courtyard by Marriott Salisbury Completes Renovation Project Salisbury, NC – December 20, 2024 – The Courtyard by Marriott Salisbury, owned by BPR Properties and managed by LBA Hospitality, is pleased to announce the completion of its recent renovation project. Designed to refresh the property and enhance the guest experience, the updates reflect the Courtyard brand’s commitment to... Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Opens in Morganton, North Carolina With General Manager Rebecca Randolph at the Helm Morganton, NC – March 9, 2020 – The 85-room Fairfield by Marriott hotel in Morganton, North Carolina is now open with a new décor that provides guests with a feeling of warmth and calm while traveling. Located at 400 North Green Street, the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Morganton... Owned and Managed by Kalyan Hospitality, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Opens in Virginia Salem, VA – December 27, 2017 – The 113-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Salem, Virginia is now open for business with its smart, inventive public space and guest room design, and its bright and inviting décor. Located at 121 Sheraton Drive, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Roanoke... Managed by Strand Hospitality Services, New Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott to Open in Rock Hill, South Carolina Rock Hill, SC – January 16, 2017 – The 108-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Rock Hill, South Carolina is scheduled to open tomorrow with its smart, inventive public space and guest room design, and its bright and inviting décor. Located at 578 Galleria Boulevard, the Fairfield Inn... Howard J. Esquirol Named Director of Finance for Doral Arrowwood, Rye Brook, New York The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, August 2016 … The newly merged Benchmark Resorts & Hotels and Gemstone Hotels & Resorts, recognized global leaders in the management and marketing of resorts, hotels and conference centers, have formally announced the appointment of Howard J. Esquirol as director of finance for Doral Arrowwood, located... Save your favorites with My News Create your free account to bookmark articles, follow companies, and build a personalized newsfeed.