Hundreds of people gathered Friday morning as the Catawba Nation broke ground on the expansion of the Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain.
Robert Keesee, a member of the Catawba Tribe, told Channel 9 that this moment has been a long time coming.
PREVIOUS STORIES:
“You hear so many things like, ‘When is this going to start or when is this going to happen?’ Well, it finally has, he said. “It’s an exciting day. I’m glad it’s finally happening.”
Just 35 minutes from Uptown Charlotte, the $700 million project will create nearly 2,000 new jobs.
“It brings more revenue to this county, and it helps the Indians. I’m very happy with that,” said resident Lewis Fox.
The Catawba Nation has been operating in its temporary casino since 2021. Fox said he’s been there a few times and is looking forward to the facelift and new slot machines.
“Well, I know I’m not going to win every time. Maybe I win a little every now and then. If I lose, that’s okay,” Fox said.
3D models of the establishment showed 4,000 slot machines, 100 table games and there will be multiple restaurants in the new casino.
“A total of more than two 2,260,000 square meters. And so it will be an absolute world-class destination resort for gaming and entertainment,” said Aaron Thomas, president of the construction company.
Thomas said it was not only groundbreaking, but also a path to empowerment.
“You’re doing it with a great group of people with historical ties to this part of North Carolina. And while you enjoy great entertainment, you also build the nation,” Thomas said.
The casino is set to open in early 2026 and Fox said he is already counting down the days.
“As soon as it opens, I’ll be here. It won’t be all the time, but it will happen every now and then,” Fox explained.
(WATCH BELOW: Permanent casino resort at Kings Mountain gets green light)
