Officials say the success of the Rockford Casino: A Hard Rock Opening Act is exciting, but the goal is to bring visitors from out of town to the area, which means they need a place to stay.
In Illinois, the temporary Hard Rock Rockford casino has generated more than $25 million in revenue since opening in November 2021, according to the Illinois Gaming Board. Known as Rockford Casino: A Hard Rock Opening Act, the venue primarily is attracting locals. But Hard Rock President Geno Iafrate said it’s time to consider building a hotel along with the permanent casino, which is expected to open in late 2023 or early 2024. Besides the casino, phase one of the project would include restaurants, a concert venue−and a hotel.
Iafrate stated, “For everyone in Rockford and the Rockford region, Winnebago County, Boone County, the casino is going to be a great amenity and a great addition to the community. But this has always been about bringing people in from further away.”
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara agreed. He said, “I know it wasn’t planned, but I think for Hard Rock, for the city of Rockford as an organization and for our community, it’s a positive thing and I think now would be a great time to do it.” McNamara noted the hotel is needed now since teams participating in area amateur sports tournaments must stay in places like Janesville due to the lack of hotel accommodations in and around Rockford.
