In Illinois, Hard Rock Casino Rockford officials will host a groundbreaking ceremony at their permanent casino resort located at 7801 E. State Street, near the Interstate 90 exit. An invitation-only event was held previously.
The temporary Rockford Casino, A Hard Rock Opening Act debuted 10 months earlier. Rick Nielsen, guitarist for the rock group Cheap Trick and a Rockford native, will attend the event.
Jon Lucas, chief operating officer at Hard Rock International, said, “Our opening act in Rockford has been fantastic, but I know the entire Rockford community is just as excited as we are for the main show. From the very start, Rockford’s energy has surpassed expectations and it’s no secret they are really ready to rock.”
The facility will include a 65,000-square-foot Hard Rock Casino, Hard Rock Café and 1,600-seat Hard Rock Live venue. A 250-room hotel is planned, but may be built in the second construction phase.
Meanwhile, Hard Rock Casino Rockford announced a partnership with the Coronado Performing Arts Center, including the $100,000 renovation of opera boxes in the balcony. President Geno Iafrate said, “The first time I walked into the Coronado, I was in awe. The rich history, beauty and quality of entertainment at the venue was an instant and natural connection for the Hard Rock.”
In exchange for its sponsorship, Iafrate said Hard Rock will receive a guaranteed block of seats that offer some of the best views of the stage. He said the seats will be used for business relationship purposes and also be given as prizes for members of Hard Rock’s Unity promotional program.
In addition, Hard Rock will receive exclusive use of the recently restored Club 27 hospitality suite, previously used as the owner’s apartment, and rebranded for the year 1927, the year Coronado opened. Hard Rock will use the suite to entertain guests before and after performances. The Rockford Symphony Orchestra and the Friends of the Coronado also will have access to Club 27 to entertain major donors, Iafrate said.
