FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2026

Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance
Megan Lucas
CEO & Chief Economic Development Officer
Email: meganlucas@lynchburgregion.org
 
New Economic Impact Study: Proposed Amherst County Entertainment Venue Could Generate Nearly $2 Million in Annual County Revenue and Support 173 Regional Jobs
Study estimates more than $44 million in annual economic activity across the Lynchburg Region

LYNCHBURG, VA.  A proposed pari-mutuel wagering and entertainment venue in Amherst County could generate approximately $1.9 million in county tax revenue during its first year of operation and support an estimated 173 jobs across the Lynchburg Region, according to a new economic and fiscal impact study released today by the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance.
The study, conducted by Mangum Economics, examines the potential economic and fiscal effects of both construction and ongoing operations associated with the proposed venue. The analysis considers impacts across the Lynchburg Regional economy, defined as the City of Lynchburg and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell.

“The purpose of this study is to provide policymakers, community leaders and residents with objective, data-driven information about the potential economic and fiscal impacts of the proposed project,” said Megan Lucas, CEO and Chief Economic Development Officer of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. “The findings show that the potential impacts extend beyond the venue itself, with jobs, spending and tax revenue affecting communities throughout the region. Ultimately, decisions regarding the proposal will be made by Amherst County voters.”

Construction Would Generate Regional Economic Activity
Construction of the proposed venue is estimated to directly support approximately 130 jobs and generate $35 million in economic output in the region.

When the broader economic effects of that spending are included, the total construction impact is estimated at:

• 212 jobs
• $15.4 million in wages and benefits
• $52.5 million in economic output
• $1.8 million in state and local tax revenue

These broader economic effects include spending by construction companies and their employees, as well as spending with suppliers and other businesses connected to the project.

Ongoing Operations Could Support 173 Regional Jobs
Once operational, the proposed venue is estimated to directly support 83 jobs and generate approximately $28.5 million in annual economic output.

When the broader economic effects of the venue's operations are included, the study estimates approximately:

• 173 jobs across the region
• $8.3 million in annual wages and benefits
• $44.4 million in annual economic output

The broader economic effects include activity generated by employees, suppliers and other businesses that benefit from the venue's ongoing operations.

Potential New Revenue for Amherst County
The study estimates the proposed venue could generate approximately $1.9 million in tax revenue for Amherst County in its first year of operation.

The estimated revenue includes:

Revenue Source	Estimated First-Year Revenue
State pari-mutuel wagering tax distribution to host locality	$1.6 million
Real estate tax	$203,000
Business personal property tax	$82,800
Business license tax	$51,200
Meals tax	$36,000
Local sales tax	$6,000
Total	Approximately $1.9 million

“These findings provide the community with factual, data-driven information about the potential economic and fiscal impact of the proposed venue,” Lucas said. “The analysis gives residents and local leaders information about the potential jobs, economic activity and public revenue associated with the project as Amherst County considers the proposal.”

All figures are presented in 2026 dollars. Economic impact estimates are based on the assumptions and methodology outlined in the Mangum Economics study.
The complete economic and fiscal impact study is available at lynchburgregion.org/news.
 
About the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance
The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance is the region’s chamber of commerce and economic development organization, serving the Lynchburg MSA and working to advance business growth, economic opportunity and regional competitiveness across Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell and Lynchburg