Catawba Nation Marks Milestone with Opening of Two Kings Casino Resort's First Phase
The Catawba Nation opened the first phase of its $1 billion Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, N.C. on May 20, 2026, drawing thousands of attendees to the event near Charlotte, while construction proceeds on the remaining elements of the permanent facility. This development replaces the temporary casino that began operations in 2021, and it forms part of a larger project that includes a 385-room hotel projected to open in spring 2027.
Thousands gathered at the site for the initial phase launch, which features expanded gaming options and updated amenities compared to the temporary setup that served visitors since 2021. The Catawba Nation has coordinated the transition from the interim location to this more substantial structure, maintaining continuous operations throughout the process while advancing toward the full resort completion.
Event Details and Attendance
Attendance at the May 20, 2026 opening exceeded expectations, with visitors arriving from across the region to mark the occasion, and activities included tours of the new gaming areas along with remarks from tribal leaders and local officials. The event highlighted the shift from the temporary casino, which had operated for five years, to a facility designed for long-term use, and it set the stage for ongoing construction that will incorporate additional features such as the hotel tower.
Local traffic patterns reflected the scale of participation, as roads around Kings Mountain saw increased volume on the opening day, yet organizers managed access to ensure smooth entry for guests. Reports from the scene described a mix of excitement and routine business, since many attendees had visited the prior temporary casino and returned to experience the upgraded space.
Background on the Project
The Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort traces its origins to agreements that enabled the Catawba Nation to establish gaming operations in North Carolina, beginning with the temporary facility in 2021. That earlier venue provided a foundation for the current expansion, allowing the tribe to test market demand and refine operations before committing to the larger permanent build. Construction on the full resort has progressed in stages, with the first phase now open and the balance of work focused on structural elements that will support the 385-room hotel and associated amenities.
According to coverage from WBTV, the timeline calls for the hotel and remaining resort components to become available in spring 2027, which aligns with the phased approach that keeps parts of the property operational during construction. This method minimizes disruption for existing patrons while advancing the overall $1 billion investment.
Construction Timeline and Future Elements
Work continues on the permanent resort structures beyond the areas opened in May 2026, with crews addressing the hotel construction alongside additional gaming and entertainment spaces. The 385-room hotel represents a significant addition that will expand overnight capacity once complete, and project managers have indicated that integration of these elements will occur without closing the active portions of the casino. Observers familiar with similar developments note that phased openings allow revenue to support further building, which in this case sustains momentum toward the 2027 target.
Equipment installations and finishing work in the first phase areas occurred ahead of the May 20 date, ensuring the new sections met operational standards before welcoming the public. The transition from the temporary casino involved relocating certain gaming machines and staff resources, yet the process preserved service continuity for regular visitors throughout the changeover.
Regional Context
Kings Mountain's location near Charlotte positions the resort to serve a broad visitor base from both urban and surrounding communities, and the first phase opening extends access to updated facilities within that market. The Catawba Nation's project contributes to local economic activity through construction employment and ongoing operations, although specific figures on job creation or revenue remain tied to future reporting cycles from state and tribal sources.
State gaming regulations in North Carolina provide the framework under which the Catawba Nation operates the resort, and compliance with those rules has guided each stage of development from the 2021 temporary opening onward. The May 2026 milestone reflects adherence to those standards while advancing the larger vision for the property.
Conclusion
The opening of the first phase on May 20, 2026 stands as a key step in the Catawba Nation's expansion of the Two Kings Casino Resort, replacing the temporary venue and setting the course for the 2027 completion of the hotel and full facility. Construction activity persists alongside daily operations, maintaining the project's trajectory toward its projected finish date. Further updates on progress will emerge as the remaining phases advance in the months ahead.