ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) –Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb says an entertainment district could represent a bold step for Roanoke’s future, building on the city’s history of economic development through public-private partnerships and long-term investment.
Cobb says Roanoke has often advanced by exploring new ideas, weighing multiple options and working collaboratively to strengthen the city and the region. He pointed to past efforts that required taking calculated risks, piloting new concepts and forming partnerships aimed at sustaining economic and cultural vitality.
According to Cobb, renovating the Berglund Center and adding new amenities to create an entertainment district is a risk worth considering.
Joe Cobb, Mayor of Roanoke City
Under the concept Cobb outlined, an entertainment district could include new restaurants, a hotel, a parking deck, community meeting spaces and significant upgrades to both the civic center arena and the performing arts theater. These improvements would enhance the venue, expand parking options and provide onsite amenities.
According to the mayor, in spring 2025, a private investor approached the city with a proposal to locate a casino in the special events center. The casino would serve as an anchor for the entertainment district.
Legendary rock group America bringing ‘Ride on Tour’ to Roanoke
As described by Cobb, the proposed public-private partnership would invest $30 million in upgrades to the Berglund Center and require an additional $300 million investment from the developer for the casino and related amenities.
Cobb says the Berglund Center’s access to Interstate 581 and its proximity to the airport and Amtrak as factors that make the site attractive for redevelopment. He said potential upgrades could improve the experience for fans of the Rail Yard Dawgs and help attract higher-profile entertainment to Roanoke and the surrounding region.
The mayor also pointed to potential job creation. Cobb said that beyond construction jobs, the casino and associated amenities could create more than 900 permanent jobs, with annual salaries ranging from $55,000 to $60,000.
Cobb said the private investor has also proposed a philanthropic component focused on improving surrounding neighborhoods and supporting community-wide initiatives, including restorative and reparative projects.
Before any casino proposal could move forward, Cobb said several steps would be required.
The General Assembly would need to grant Roanoke permission to be considered as a casino site.
If approved by the general assembly, the city would then schedule a local referendum, allowing registered voters to decide whether a casino should be part of an entertainment district.
Cobb acknowledged that public response to the proposal has been mixed. He said some residents have expressed excitement about potential economic benefits, while others have raised concerns about gambling addiction and possible increases in crime. Cobb said those concerns should be weighed carefully as discussions continue.
In outlining his position, Mayor Cobb pointed to previous investments that he said were initially viewed as risky but ultimately shaped the city’s growth. He mentions development in the floodplain that led to the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, the expansion of Carilion Clinic and the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center.
He also referenced downtown revitalization efforts supported by tax abatements and historic tax credits, as well as infrastructure investments that created a downtown amphitheater and art walk.
Cobb noted that early support for local merchants resulted in the Mill Mountain Star.
Every two weeks, the City of Roanoke’s facilities team treks up Mill Mountain to inspect one of the area’s most beloved landmarks
Cobb said Roanoke’s progress has often depended on leaders and residents being willing to explore new ideas rather than dismiss them.
He said the proposal to create an entertainment district at the Berglund Center should be evaluated with that same mindset, as the city considers whether the site could become a destination for entertainment and economic activity.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com ’
