Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Celebrates Major Construction Milestone in Virginia

1.38 million-square-foot resort on track to open November 2026; Governor highlights statewide business growth during milestone event

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kalahari Resorts & Conventions marked a major construction milestone today with a Ceremonial Steel Signing at its newest location in Spotsylvania, Virginia. Set to open in November 2026, the $900 million development is Kalahari’s most ambitious resort to date and will bring 1.38 million square feet of all-under-one-roof experiences to the East Coast.

To commemorate the occasion, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin joined Kalahari leadership, construction partners, and community stakeholders on site to celebrate progress and underscore the project’s role in Virginia’s broader economic growth. During remarks, the Governor referenced the more than $100 billion in capital investment commitments made across the Commonwealth to date - positioning Virginia as a national leader in business expansion and job creation.

“From day one, we declared Virginia open for business, and the results speak for themselves,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “With more than $100 billion in capital investments from companies building their future in the Commonwealth and 265,000 new jobs created during our administration, Virginia isn’t just competing to win, Virginia is winning. Very soon, families will gather right here at Kalahari Resorts to create priceless memories and share unforgettable moments. Together, we are making Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

“This moment is more than a construction milestone - it’s a testament to the collaborative spirit and momentum behind this project,” said Todd Nelson, Founder and CEO of Kalahari Resorts. “We’re building more than a resort; we’re building a destination that will energize the region and bring unforgettable experiences to families and travelers from across the country.”

When complete, the Spotsylvania resort will be a comprehensive vacation, entertainment, and convention destination offering:

• 907 guest rooms and suites, including 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom options with upscale amenities
• 175,000-square-foot indoor waterpark – the largest in Virginia
• Outdoor waterpark spread across 10 acres
• 90,000-square-foot Tom Foolerys Adventure Park, featuring thrill rides, a ropes course, bowling, zip lining, laser tag, and over 250 arcade games
• 150,000-square-foot convention and meeting space, including two expansive ballrooms and 16 breakout rooms
• 12 onsite food and beverage outlets, including four full-service signature restaurants:
  • Double Cut® Steak House
  • Sortino’s Italian Kitchen
  • Cinco Niños
  • B-Lux Grill & Bar
• Entertainment venues including Redd’s Piano Bar & Lounge
• 10,000+ square feet of retail space, fitness center, Build-A-Bear Workshop®, and more

Construction is progressing steadily under the leadership of Hensel Phelps, with specialized contributions from Neuman Group (pool construction) and Henderson (sitework development). More than 500 workers are currently on site, with construction staffing expected to peak at 800 in the coming months.

Kalahari Resorts – Spotsylvania County is poised to generate meaningful economic impact for the region. In addition to hundreds of construction jobs, the resort is expected to create more than 1400 full and part-time hospitality, culinary, retail, and operations roles. Details around local hiring commitments, educational partnerships, and community engagement initiatives will be announced in the coming months.

Located just off I-95 near Dominion Raceway & Entertainment, the resort is within easy reach of Richmond, Washington D.C., Charlottesville, and other major metro areas across the Mid-Atlantic.

For more information, visit: www.kalahariresorts.com/virginia.

About Kalahari Resorts and Conventions

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, Sandusky, Ohio, the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, Round Rock, Texas, and opening soon in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, deliver a beyond-expectations waterpark resort and conference experience all under one roof. The African-inspired Kalahari Resorts, privately owned by the Nelson family, are home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks. Todd and Shari Nelson, the founders of Kalahari Resorts, were honored with an induction into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame in 2023. All Kalahari Resorts feature well-appointed guest rooms and suites, the full-service Spa Kalahari, a fun-filled family entertainment center, on-site signature restaurants, unique retail shops and a state-of-the-art convention center. For more information, members of the media are encouraged to visit kalaharimedia.com.