The impressive $1 billion Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort has made significant strides in its first year of construction in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, just 35 miles from Charlotte and near the South Carolina border. Notably, they’ve completed foundations for both the casino complex and the 24-story, 385-room hotel. Moreover, the casino frame has reached full height, while the hotel structure has already topped ten floors, with crews adding nearly one floor each week. Clearly, this rapid progress points to major ambitions ahead.
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Phased Openings Bring Excitement
Secondly, the resort is being carefully phased. The introductory casino, expected in spring 2026, will debut with 1,350 slot machines, 20 table games, sports-betting kiosks, a 40-seat restaurant, bar, and a loyalty desk, replacing the popular temporary facility that’s been running since July 2021. Then, by 2027, the full-scale complex will open across roughly 2 million sq ft, featuring 4,300 slots, 100 tables, 11 dining venues, 11 bars, a players’ lounge, and 2,700 covered spaces plus 800 surface parking spots. This gradual approach ensures smooth scaling for both operations and the guest experience at the Catawba Two Kings Casino.
Economic Engine & Community Impact
Furthermore, the project is already delivering economic benefits. Hundreds of construction jobs have been created so far, and once fully open, the resort is expected to employ around 2,200 people, including Catawba Nation citizens and regional workers. Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris praised the venture as an economic “game changer” that reflects resilience and long-term vision. Equally significant, pre-launch casino revenues are already funding regional charities, with greater impact expected once the full resort opens.
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Infrastructure & Leadership Support
Finally, critical infrastructure upgrades are already complete: the Dixon School Road Bridge over I‑85 was doubled in size, and new sewer lines were installed, both coordinated and funded by the Catawba Nation. In addition, the project enjoys solid leadership: it’s managed by the Catawba Nation Gaming Authority and team including VP Trent Troxel, with Yates-Metcon leading construction, Delaware North advising on gaming and hospitality, and SOSHNY Design handling architecture. Combined, these elements set a strong foundation for a resort that’s rooted in tribal heritage while poised to thrive as a regional entertainment and economic hub.
Catawba Two Kings Casino Project Overview
Total Investment
$1 billion development by the Catawba Indian Nation in Kings Mountain, NC, just 35 miles west of Charlotte
Location & Scale
Situated off I‑85 on a 16-acre site at Exit 5
Permanent resort planned to span approximately 2 million sq ft, featuring gaming, hotel, retail, and entertainment zones
Construction Status
Foundations for casino and hotel built in 2024
Casino structure reached full height; hotel framing now over 10 stories and rising one floor per week
Infrastructure upgrades include a doubled Dixon School Road Bridge and new sewer lines funded by the tribe
Phased Deployment
Introductory Casino (Phase 1) launching Spring 2026:
• 1,350 slot machines, 20–22 table games
• 40-seat restaurant, bar, sports-betting kiosks, covered parking
Full Resort (Phase 2) due in 2027:
• 4,300 slots, 100 table games
• 11 dining options (including steakhouse, Italian, marketplace), 11 bars, players’ lounge
• 385-room, 24-story hotel connected to casino
• 2,700-space underground garage plus 800 surface spots
Job Creation & Economic Impact
Hundreds of construction jobs currently active
Project to support up to 1,200 construction workers at peak and create 2,200 permanent jobs for residents and Catawba Nation citizens
Described as an “economic game changer” for Cleveland County and Kings Mountain
Leadership & Partnerships
Led by Catawba Nation Gaming Authority, Vice President Trent Troxel
Construction management by Yates-Metcon, gaming/hospitality advising by Delaware North, architectural design by SOSHNY
