Bright Lights and Big Dreams: Bristol Welcomes Its Newest Attraction!
BRISTOL, Va. — Get ready, folks! Bristol is buzzing with excitement as a stunning new landmark has just made its grand entrance in town. Early on Friday morning, a crew of hardworking individuals flipped the switch on a colossal guitar that stands a whopping 45 feet tall and weighs a hefty 3.5 tons. This dazzling piece is a beautifully crafted, neon-framed replica of a silver National resonator guitar, designed with a special nod to Bristol’s rich musical history as the birthplace of country music.
The Story Behind the Guitar
What’s cooler than a giant guitar lighting up the entrance to the future Hard Rock Hotel & Casino? Well, it’s not just any guitar—it’s a symbol of a 96-year-old legacy. Giovanni Taliaferro, the vice president of memorabilia and design from Hard Rock International, shares that they wanted this instrument to reflect the essence of Bristol. This guitar represents the Bristol Sessions that took place back in 1927, marking the beginning of country music as we know it.
“With every Hard Rock project, we like to design the guitar to be customized to the location,” Taliaferro explained. He points out that the resonator guitar was created in the same year as the sessions and was initially popular in country and blues music. The instrument didn’t stop there; it evolved into becoming a hallmark of bluegrass music, connecting even deeper to the region’s musical roots.
A Photo-Op Like No Other
This massive guitar isn’t just for show; it’s perfectly positioned to be a photo backdrop for guests as they arrive at the Hard Rock complex. Nestled in front of the hotel entrance and surrounded by a spacious green area, it’s definitely going to be a hit with visitors looking to snap some unforgettable memories during their stay.
Excitement in the City
With the grand opening just around the corner on November 14, preparations are in full swing. The hotel promises to be a state-of-the-art facility with 303 rooms, including 66 luxurious suites, a spa, and even a stunning indoor-outdoor pool. Hassan Addel-Mondim, the hotel director, is eager about the project. “This is a beautiful property with many amenities, and it will be the biggest hotel in the area,” he said enthusiastically. With only 27 days left until the opening, work is buzzing—literally—as the team prepares for everything from landscaping to final touches inside the building.
A Community Opportunity Awaits
Moreover, the hotel is planning to create around 115 new jobs, which is fantastic news for the Bristol community. To fill these positions, Hard Rock is hosting a special hiring event on October 22. Roles will range across the hotel and restaurant sectors, including cooks, bartenders, and even massage therapists. “Expanding our Hard Rock team is essential for creating a long-lasting community at the casino,” said facility President Allie Evangelista. “Our team is proud to create opportunities for new jobs in Bristol.”
For those interested in joining the team, applicants can apply online before heading to the event. As the countdown continues, the excitement in Bristol is palpable as the community eagerly awaits the opening of this shiny new attraction, ready to embrace the fun, glamour, and entertainment that only Hard Rock can deliver.
So, mark your calendars and come see that iconic guitar lighting up the Bristol skyline in just a few weeks. This is only the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling chapter in Bristol’s vibrant history!
