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Catawba Nation Office of Tribal Government
- Jul 30, 2020
- 2 min read

Catawba Indian Nation Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Casino

The Catawba Nation held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on its new casino in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Members of the Catawba Executive Council and officials from Cleveland County and the City of Kings Mountain were on hand to join in the celebration.

“Today is truly about righting a historical wrong, and creating a brighter future for us all,” said Catawba Chief Bill Harris. “These same lands that provided so much for us in the past will now provide again, and not just for Catawbas, but also for the working people of North Carolina.”

“Our steadfast partnership with the Catawba Indian Nation has brought us to this moment in time to celebrate their culture and their desire to improve the future of tribe members and those in Cleveland County and the region through jobs, tourism, and economic potential,” stated Cleveland County Commissioner Johnny Hutchins, who serves as the Project Lead.

“Finally, the Catawbas have the opportunity to perpetuate their culture as a meaningful elevation of their place in North American history,” remarked Kings Mountain Mayor Scott Neisler. “Before today this eight-mile stretch of I-85 had little to offer to locals and tourists. With this project, we will become the premier destination between Atlanta and Washington, DC for entertainment.”

The casino is expected to open by summer 2021, and will initially feature approximately 1,300 machines, food and beverages, as well as entertainment. The new casino, which will be operated by global hospitality company Delaware North, represents a $273 million investment in Cleveland County.

Project construction activity will generate $311 million with total employment of 2,347 from direct, indirect, and induced effect. Once operational, the Catawba facility will generate $308 million per year of direct economic activity and employ 2,600 workers. The facility will also create an additional $77.3 million per year in indirect impact and $42.8 million in induced impact. The total effect will be 3,579 jobs attributed to casino activity.

“Work begins today toward more prosperity, increased opportunities, and a renewed bond between the Catawba Indian Nation and the great state of North Carolina,” said Chief Harris. “Let’s get started!” he concluded.