Roanoke leaders want to renovate the Berglund Center into an entertainment district complete with a casino, but some state lawmakers are already folding at the idea.

The city is still very early in exploring bringing a casino to its civic center, said Mayor Joe Cobb during a press conference outside the Berglund Special Events Center on Tuesday morning.

"It would greatly enhance an asset that we already deeply care about, and bring something to this region," Cobb said. "We know this exploration comes with important questions and considerations, and we are committed to a thoughtful and transparent process."

Cobb said to imagine a revitalized civic center with a renovated ice hockey arena, theater, casino, additional event space, restaurants, an on-site hotel and added parking.

"Beyond e

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