S.B. Ballard Named General Contractor for Rivers Casino Portsmouth Hotel
Rush Street Gaming, in partnership with Rivers Casino Portsmouth, has officially named S.B. Ballard Construction Company as the general contractor for its newest hospitality venture: The Landing Hotel Portsmouth, a $65 million upscale hotel development set to rise adjacent to the casino complex. The project marks a significant expansion of the entertainment footprint in Portsmouth, Virginia, reinforcing the city’s growing role as a regional destination for gaming, tourism, and economic opportunity.
Construction on the new hotel is expected to begin this summer on Victory Boulevard, with the grand opening slated for early 2027. The development will be privately funded, signaling continued confidence in the region’s economic growth and the rising demand for high-quality hospitality offerings.
Building on a Proven Partnership
This announcement is more than just a continuation of development—it’s a reaffirmation of a successful collaboration. S.B. Ballard Construction, a locally-based company, was previously entrusted with the construction of the 270,000-square-foot Rivers Casino Portsmouth. That $340 million facility opened in January 2023, making history as Virginia’s first permanent casino. Their proven expertise in delivering large-scale entertainment and hospitality infrastructure makes them a natural fit to lead the hotel’s construction.
“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. “This new development reflects our commitment to both excellence and inclusivity.”
A Commitment to Local Economic Development
The construction of The Landing Hotel Portsmouth is expected to create approximately 200 temporary construction jobs. Once complete, the hotel will generate 60 new permanent jobs, ranging from guest services and hospitality operations to facilities management and executive roles. These new employment opportunities will further diversify the city’s economy while supporting long-term career pathways in hospitality and tourism.
Importantly, Rush Street Gaming and S.B. Ballard have committed to a robust supplier diversity strategy, ensuring minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses (SWaM), as well as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), are engaged throughout the hotel’s development lifecycle. This includes everything from subcontracting in construction to future procurement of goods and services during operations.
This approach aligns with Virginia’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive economic growth and equitable access to business opportunities for historically underrepresented groups. By partnering with a locally rooted general contractor like S.B. Ballard, the project team reinforces its intention to hire and source locally whenever possible.
Enhancing Portsmouth’s Tourism Appeal
The new hotel will serve as a signature addition to the Rivers Casino Portsmouth complex. With 106 luxurious guest rooms, including 32 large suites—two of which are expansive ‘super suites’ featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces—the facility aims to attract a wide range of travelers, from business professionals and leisure guests to high-end gaming patrons.
Guests will enjoy access to an elegantly designed Lobby Bar on the first floor, which will offer craft cocktails and light fare in a refined setting. Also located near the lobby will be two private executive boardrooms, ideal for meetings, corporate retreats, and small-scale conferences. Additional hotel amenities, while still under development, are expected to align with the casino’s upscale branding and guest experience standards.
The hotel’s eight-story design will overlook a landscaped water feature on the Rivers Casino grounds, providing both aesthetic appeal and a sense of tranquility for guests. Its proximity to the casino is expected to drive increased weekend and overnight visitation, which in turn is forecast to significantly boost local revenues through gaming, dining, event space rentals, and related commercial activity.
The development will also contribute to the City of Portsmouth’s hospitality tax base, supporting city services, infrastructure investment, and economic development initiatives.
A Regional Symbol of Growth
The announcement of The Landing Hotel Portsmouth signals a powerful shift in how Portsmouth is positioning itself in the regional economy. Long considered a hidden gem in the Hampton Roads area, the city is now becoming a destination hub for entertainment and hospitality. The introduction of permanent gaming with the Rivers Casino has already drawn a new stream of visitors, and the hotel’s addition will only enhance that momentum.
“This project represents more than just a new hotel—it’s a continued investment in Portsmouth’s future,” said Stephen Ballard, CEO and owner of S.B. Ballard Construction Company. “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.”
Ballard’s remarks echo the city’s aspirations to catalyze job growth, attract out-of-state visitors, and reimagine Portsmouth’s waterfront corridor into a vibrant center of commerce and culture.
Part of a Broader Hospitality Vision
The Landing Hotel Portsmouth will join a growing family of hospitality properties developed by Rush Street Gaming. The company already owns and operates The Landing Hotel in both Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Schenectady, New York, as well as the boutique Riversuites hotel in Philadelphia. These properties are known for their modern design, exceptional guest service, and seamless integration with casino and entertainment operations.
Each location has played a key role in elevating the brand’s stature in the highly competitive hospitality-gaming sector, and Portsmouth’s hotel will follow that same playbook—emphasizing premium service, attention to detail, and local engagement.
The hotel’s ownership and operational structure will remain independent but closely tied to the Rivers Casino brand, ensuring consistency in quality while allowing for regional customization. Guests staying at The Landing Hotel Portsmouth will enjoy not only comfortable accommodations but also direct access to Rivers Casino’s vibrant gaming floor, restaurants, entertainment venues, and future events.
