Hard Rock International announced on Tuesday the appointment of Allie Evangelista as the new President of the upcoming Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol, set to open a temporary location in Q2, 2022. In this role, she will report directly to Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer of Hard Rock International.
In 2006, Evangelista joined the gaming industry as an Assistant Slot Operations Manager in Missouri. She would continue to climb becoming Director of Casino Operations and then Vice President of Casino Operations at an Iowa casino in 2014. Five years later, she would become the Vice President and General Manager of the Hollywood Gaming and Racetrack property in Ohio. Her most recent position was Vice President and General Manager of the Hollywood Casino Perryville in Maryland.
“Allie’s life and career have embodied the American success story,” said Lucas. “Allie has worked in every aspect of the gaming and hospitality industries and will bring this impressive experience to her role as President of the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol. Allie already has hit the ground running and is busy assembling a talented team to operate the resort.”
“I look forward to embracing the community in Bristol and working with the many partners who have been instrumental in supporting the project,” Evangelista stated. “As the ‘Birthplace of Country Music,’ Bristol is rich in history and culture. As someone with a passion for exploring new and diverse opportunities, I am excited to experience the region’s natural beauty and its many wonderful music, entertainment, and recreational offerings. As a destination-resort, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol will be a perfect complement to the world-class events and attractions that draw millions of visitors to the Tri-Cities, including ones across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.”
“We are fortunate to have Allie’s significant industry leadership in Bristol,” said Jim McGlothlin, Chairman, The United Company, and Clyde Stacy, President, Par Ventures. “Allie has a track record of success and valuable experience in all facets of the gaming industry in a variety of demographic markets. Allie knows what works and will bring those important lessons to opening and operating the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol. We are excited to have her lead efforts to further Bristol’s stature as a major travel and entertainment destination in our region and beyond.”
Evangelista has a Master in Business Administration from Lindenwood University and a Master in Human Resources Management from Washington University.
The ‘Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock’ temporary casino is slated to open before the end of the second quarter of 2022. The temporary full-service casino will boast approximately 30,000 square feet of casino space, featuring approximately 900 gaming slots, 20 tables, and a sportsbook for a variety of gaming options. The space will include the main casino floor as well as non-smoking and high limit gaming areas. Guests will also be able to enjoy a new restaurant, a grab-and-go food outlet, and a sports bar and lounge with entertainment along with an adjacent smoking sports lounge. Hard Rock’s temporary casino will create 600 new jobs in Bristol, Virginia.
