Catawba Nation Unveils First Phase of Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain

Thousands gathered on May 20, 2026, as the Catawba Nation opened the first phase of its $1 billion Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, near Charlotte, and the event marked a significant step in the tribe's long-term development plans for the property. The opening replaced the temporary casino facility that began operations in 2021, while construction crews continue work on the remaining sections of the permanent resort, including a planned 385-room hotel slated for completion in spring 2027.

Attendees at the ceremony included tribal leaders, local officials, and members of the public who toured the initial gaming floor and amenities that now anchor the site. According to coverage from local media, the phase-one facilities provide expanded gaming options compared to the earlier temporary setup, yet they operate as an interim stage until the full resort reaches completion.

Background on the Project Timeline

The Catawba Nation secured approvals and began site work several years ago, which led to the launch of a temporary casino in 2021 as a bridge to the larger permanent complex. That earlier facility served visitors while planners finalized designs for the billion-dollar resort, and the May 2026 opening of phase one represents the next milestone in that sequence. Construction on the permanent structures continues alongside the operational first phase, which allows the tribe to maintain revenue streams while finishing the hotel tower and additional entertainment venues.

State records and tribal statements indicate that the overall project encompasses multiple buildings spread across the Kings Mountain location, and phase one focuses primarily on core gaming areas that can function independently of the hotel and resort wings still under construction. Observers note that this phased approach mirrors strategies used by other tribal gaming operations across the United States, where initial revenue supports later expansions.

Attendance and Community Response

Event organizers reported strong turnout on opening day, with lines forming early for access to the new gaming spaces and promotional activities scheduled throughout the afternoon and evening. Local businesses in Kings Mountain and surrounding areas prepared for increased visitor traffic, and transportation routes near the site saw added volume as guests arrived from Charlotte and nearby communities. The Catawba Nation coordinated with regional authorities to manage parking and crowd flow, which ensured the ceremony proceeded without major disruptions.

Data from the WBTV report shows that the temporary casino had already established a steady visitor base since 2021, and the upgraded phase-one facilities are expected to build on that foundation. Tribal representatives highlighted job creation associated with both the construction and ongoing operations, noting that hundreds of positions have been filled as the resort moves toward full capacity. Economic development offices in Cleveland County have tracked related activity, including supplier contracts and workforce training programs tied directly to the project.

Future Phases and Projected Completion

Remaining work on the resort includes the 385-room hotel along with expanded dining, entertainment, and conference spaces, all projected to open in spring 2027. Project timelines released by the Catawba Nation indicate that contractors are maintaining schedules despite weather and supply variables common to large-scale builds in the region. Once complete, the full property will integrate the phase-one gaming areas into a broader resort environment designed to attract overnight guests from across the Southeast.

Regulatory filings with the National Indian Gaming Commission outline compliance measures that govern the transition from temporary to permanent operations, and those documents confirm that phase one meets current licensing standards while the balance of construction proceeds. The tribe continues to coordinate with state and local partners on infrastructure improvements around the site, including road access and utility upgrades that support both current operations and future growth.

Conclusion

The May 20, 2026, opening of the first phase at Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort stands as a clear marker in the Catawba Nation's development roadmap, replacing the 2021 temporary facility and setting the stage for the 2027 completion of the full $1 billion complex. Construction activity remains visible on the hotel and additional resort elements, while the operational phase-one spaces serve visitors in the interim. Regional economic indicators and attendance figures from the opening event reflect sustained interest in the project, which continues under established regulatory oversight from federal and state bodies.