Roanoke Faces $30M Berglund Center Repair Bill as Casino Debate Continues

ROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke officials say the Berglund Center needs more than $30 million in repairs as the city weighs a casino-led redevelopment.

At least $10 million of work is needed within two to five years, adding urgency to decisions over the future of the nearly 60-year-old entertainment venue.

General Manager Robyn Schon told City Council that the Berglund Center remains safe but several major building systems are approaching the point where replacement can no longer be delayed. City Manager Valmarie Turner described the facility as being at a “critical point” that will require difficult decisions from local officials.

Berglund Center Needs $10M in Near-Term Repairs

Among the most urgent projects are the fire alarm system, roof and boilers. Replacing the boilers alone is estimated at roughly $2 million, while identified longer-term work includes about $9 million for air-handling units, $5 million for the main electrical panel and wiring, $3.6 million for roofing and $1.6 million for parking lot lighting.

The fire alarm system carries an estimated $1.5 million replacement cost, while domestic hot water lines could require another $1 million. Schon said receiving $10 million would allow the center to address many of its most immediate concerns before tackling the remaining roughly $21 million in identified capital needs.

The repair requirements exist regardless of whether Roanoke pursues a casino. Without additional outside funding, officials said the city may ultimately need to borrow money or use local resources to maintain the facility and reduce the risk of equipment failures disrupting events.

Casino Proposal Could Bring $300M-Plus Investment

The financial discussion comes as Roanoke continues considering an entertainment district at the Berglund Center site. The city has been studying the Berglund Center’s future as the casino debate continues, including through a focus group created to examine the site’s challenges and possible redevelopment.

The current concept includes a casino occupying less than 10% of the district, alongside a hotel, restaurants, parking, public gathering areas and infrastructure improvements. The casino operator would acquire the special events center under the concept presented to council, while Roanoke would retain the performing arts theater.

City projections estimate approximately $350 million in development activity during the first one to four years and about $275 million in added regional economic activity. Officials also project 800 to 1,000 direct jobs with average annual pay of approximately $55,000, although those figures remain estimates rather than commitments from a selected developer.

Virginia law requires a casino operator to make a capital investment of at least $300 million to obtain an operating license. City projections have also put potential annual gaming-tax revenue for Roanoke at approximately $15 million to $25 million, but no developer has been selected, and a final development agreement has not been reached.

Casino Still Requires State and Voter Approval

A casino cannot proceed under existing plans without further state action. The Virginia General Assembly would first need to authorize Roanoke as a casino host city, after which local voters would have the final say through a referendum.

The city’s immediate infrastructure problem does not depend on that process. Officials must still determine how to fund the Berglund Center’s most urgent repairs while deciding whether casino-backed redevelopment, another private investment model or continued public funding offers the best path for the property.

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