Catawba Nation Marks Major Milestone with First Phase Opening of Two Kings Casino Resort

The Catawba Nation opened the first phase of its Two Kings Casino Resort on May 20, 2026 in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, and this development replaces the temporary gaming facility that had operated since 2021. Observers note the permanent gaming floor features approximately 1,350 slot machines along with table games, dining options and parking facilities while the broader project continues toward a full opening planned for spring 2027.

Details of the Opening and Facility Features

Construction teams completed the initial phase after several years of planning and site work, and the result delivers a substantial upgrade from the temporary setup that served visitors during the interim period. The new space includes expanded gaming areas where guests can access both slots and table games in a single location, plus dedicated dining venues that provide multiple meal choices throughout the day.

Parking infrastructure received particular attention during this build-out, with additional spaces added to accommodate larger crowds compared to the earlier temporary operation. Local traffic patterns around the site have adjusted accordingly as visitors arrive for the permanent facility, while regional access roads support the increased volume without major disruptions reported in initial days.

Project Timeline and Multi-Phase Development

The Two Kings Casino Resort represents a multi-phase effort that began with the temporary gaming floor in 2021, and this first permanent phase now establishes the foundation for subsequent expansions. Full completion remains scheduled for spring 2027, when additional amenities and structures will come online to round out the resort experience.

Project timelines have stayed consistent despite supply chain challenges that affected many construction efforts across the region in recent years, and the Catawba Nation has coordinated closely with contractors to meet each milestone. The phased approach allows operations to continue while later stages progress, which keeps revenue flowing and maintains employment continuity for staff members who transitioned from the temporary facility.

Economic Contributions to the Region

Employment opportunities have expanded with the permanent phase opening, and the Catawba Nation has highlighted job creation as a central benefit for Kings Mountain and surrounding communities. Positions range from gaming floor roles to hospitality and maintenance positions, with training programs offered to prepare local residents for available work.

Regional economic data from North Carolina commerce reports indicate that casino developments of this scale often generate ongoing tax revenue and supplier contracts that extend beyond direct employment, and similar patterns appear likely here as the resort scales up. The transition from temporary to permanent facilities supports more stable business activity because the larger footprint attracts broader visitor interest throughout the year.

Community partnerships have formed around workforce development, and local educational institutions have collaborated with the Catawba Nation to align curricula with hospitality and gaming industry needs. These efforts build long-term capacity in the area while the resort moves toward its complete opening in 2027.

Background on the Temporary Facility Transition

The temporary gaming operation that ran from 2021 provided an early platform for the Catawba Nation to establish its presence in North Carolina gaming, and it generated valuable operational experience ahead of the permanent build. Many team members who worked in that initial setup have carried over to the new facility, bringing familiarity with guest expectations and internal procedures.

Visitor feedback from the temporary years informed design choices in the permanent phase, particularly around layout flow and amenity placement, and this continuity helps smooth the shift for returning patrons. The replacement marks the end of one chapter while opening another that promises greater scale and variety.

Conclusion

The May 20, 2026 opening of the first phase at Two Kings Casino Resort stands as a concrete step in the Catawba Nation's long-term development strategy for the Kings Mountain site. With the permanent gaming floor now active and the full resort projected for spring 2027, the project continues to deliver measurable economic activity to the region through jobs and related business opportunities. Further updates on subsequent phases will clarify how the complete property takes shape in the months ahead.