A joint venture between S.B. Ballard Construction, based in Virginia Beach, and Mississippi’s Yates Construction has been selected to lead the $750 million development of a new casino resort on the Norfolk waterfront. The announcement came from casino development partners Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe.
S.B. Ballard Construction brings a strong local presence to the project, with a proven track record in the region and a network of subcontractors to support the development timeline. Yates Construction contributes extensive experience in casino development, having led high-profile gaming and hospitality projects like the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City and the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Mississippi.
Stephen B. Ballard, a Norfolk native and CEO of S.B. Ballard Construction, has overseen notable regional projects, including the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center and Norfolk International Airport’s arrivals parking garage. Founded over four decades ago, S.B. Ballard specializes in construction management, design-build, and public-private partnerships.
Yates Construction, established in 1964, has a national reputation for its work in gaming and hospitality. The company recently collaborated with Boyd Gaming on the Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner, Louisiana, which opened in June 2024.
The Norfolk City Council approved a development agreement in September 2024 between the city, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, and Boyd Gaming. This agreement followed a restructured partnership after the tribe’s initial deal with Tennessee investor Jon Yarbrough fell through. The project’s original name, HeadWaters Resort & Casino, has been replaced, and a groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 30, 2024.
The development team plans to open a temporary casino by late 2025 to meet a November licensing deadline set by Virginia’s 2020 casino referendum vote. The permanent resort, expected to open in late 2027, will feature 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a 200-room hotel, and eight dining venues.
Boyd Gaming, founded in 1975, operates 28 gaming properties across 10 states and holds a 5% equity stake in FanDuel Group, a prominent sports betting operator.
Virginia’s gaming industry is continuing to expand, with Norfolk’s resort joining existing casinos in Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville. A fifth casino in Petersburg was approved by voters in November 2024.
