Rush Street Gaming and Rivers Casino Portsmouth have named S.B. Ballard Construction Company as the general contractor for The Landing Hotel, a new $65 million development set to be built next to the casino’s current location on Victory Boulevard. The hotel project is privately funded and is expected to break ground this summer, with an anticipated opening in early 2027.
S.B. Ballard Construction previously completed the construction of Rivers Casino Portsmouth, which opened in January 2023 as Virginia’s first permanent casino. The company is based in Virginia Beach and has experience working on major projects throughout the Hampton Roads region.
“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.
The Landing Hotel will emphasize participation from minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses during both its construction and ongoing operations. S.B. Ballard plans to prioritize subcontractors and suppliers who qualify as Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned (SWaM) or Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE).
According to project officials, about 200 temporary construction jobs will be created during development, along with 60 new permanent positions at Rivers Casino Portsmouth once the hotel opens. City officials expect that the hotel will help generate more hospitality tax revenue for Portsmouth while boosting business at nearby restaurants, conference venues, and entertainment spaces by encouraging longer stays in the area.
The eight-story hotel will feature 106 guest rooms—including 32 suites—and amenities such as a lobby bar, private executive boardrooms, and event spaces. Some suites will offer both indoor and outdoor space overlooking a water feature on the property.
“This project represents more than just a new hotel—it’s a continued investment in Portsmouth’s future,” states S.B. Ballard CEO and owner Stephen Ballard. “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.”
The Landing Hotel Portsmouth will be independently owned by Rivers Casino Portsmouth and Rush Street Gaming. The companies also own hotels under The Landing brand in Pittsburgh and Schenectady as well as Riversuites in Philadelphia.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth currently operates as part of the city’s New Entertainment District near I-264. It offers gaming options including poker rooms and sportsbooks along with dining venues and event spaces.
S.B. Ballard Construction Company was founded in 1978 in Virginia Beach. Over its history it has worked on more than $1 billion worth of projects across nearly 10 million square feet within Hampton Roads.
