NORFOLK — Casino operator Boyd Gaming has pledged $1 million in support of Norfolk State University’s Tourism & Hospitality Management program.
Boyd Gaming is at helm of the Norfolk casino project planned by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe. Construction of the casino next to Harbor Park is underway and is expected to be completed in late 2027. A transitional gaming facility is scheduled to open at the end of this year.
The Nevada-based company will become the title sponsor of the hospitality program in the Norfolk State University’s School of Business. It will be called the Boyd Gaming Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management.
“Since we broke ground on our Norfolk casino resort project last year, Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Tribe have been committed to building a mutually beneficial partnership with our neighbors at Norfolk State University,” said Ron Bailey, Vice President and General Manager of the Norfolk casino, in a news release on Friday. “We look forward to working closely with our friends and partners at NSU in the years ahead as we build a best-in-class team, and create exciting career opportunities for Norfolk State graduates at our resort.”
The department will prepare the next generation of gaming professionals, said Javaune Adams-Gaston, President of Norfolk State University, in the release.
The $750 million casino will employ approximately 850 people in a variety of roles, including information technology, accounting, hospitality, security and gaming.
It will feature 1,500 slot machines and 50 table games, a 200-room hotel, eight food and beverage outlets, live entertainment and a 45,000-square-foot outdoor amenity deck.
Boyd and the Pamunkey Tribe have also pledged grants to Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College to support educational and training opportunities in support of the Norfolk casino’s needs, according to Boyd.
Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com