North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The Catawba Nation, Delaware North and other partners in the development of the $1 billion Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, near Charlotte celebrated a significant construction milestone Oct. 27, with the placement of a ceremonial final beam atop the casino building.
The topping-off ceremony included Catawba Nation drumming and songs before the special beam 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.”
The topping-off ceremony symbolizes the structural completion of major components of the permanent casino and that construction is on schedule for substantial completion in spring 2026.
Officials recognized the work of the construction partners and hundreds of construction workers on the project, as well as “the entire Delaware North team for their countless hours of work that have resulted in today’s topping off ceremony.”
At the topping-off ceremony, Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris (left) presents Delaware North CEO Lou Jacobs with a gift from his personal collection – a hand-made Catawba pipe with a horse’s head at one end – in recognition of Delaware North’s partnership and Jacobs’ love of horses and longtime participation in equestrian sports.
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, and Chet Nadolsky, chief operating officer, Yates Construction – representing the Yates-Metcon joint venture that is the general contractor; and Nory Hazaveh, principal, SOSHNY Architects
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 since 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, 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 nonprofit organizations serving the Catawba Nation, Cleveland County and Native American communities throughout North Carolina.
Watha video of the special beam being hoisted by crane and placed atop the permanent casino building here.