A traditional “guitar smashing” will be held at the grand opening of the permanent Hard Rock Casino at 3 p.m., Friday, Aug. 29, at the Interstate 90/State Street exit at 7801 E. State St., in Rockford, Ill.
The temporary facility, Hard Rock: An Opening Act, has been operating at 610 North Bell School Road since November 2021. Ground was broken for the new casino on Sept. 28, 2022.
Hard Rock International Chief Operating Officer Jon Lucas said, “I’d like to thank the Rockford community and state of Illinois for welcoming Hard Rock and our unique brand of world-class entertainment to the greater region. The economic impact of this casino will provide hundreds of new jobs and boost the entertainment options for anyone living near or visiting Rockford. We are thrilled to welcome this new property to our global portfolio of over 300 Hard Rock venues.”
The permanent 175,000-square-foot facility will offer a gaming floor with nearly 1,300 slot machines, 50 live table games, poker room and state-of-the-art sportsbook. Other amenities will include a 23,000-square-foot entertainment venue, accommodating up to 2,000 guest, plus six unique restaurants and a Rock Shop. The new venue will create more than 400 additional jobs, officials said.
Hard Rock Casino Rockford President Geno Iafrate said, “We are extremely proud of our team members who helped make our initial Opening Act location a success, and we welcome all those new to the team who have worked so hard preparing for this long-awaited day. It’s been 30 years in the making for Rockford and the wait is over. We are excited to welcome guests to our house to showcase and expand the legendary Hard Rock brand.”
Meanwhile, Ho Chunk Nation officials said ground will be broken this fall for its Beloit casino resort. Construction should be completed within 18 months. The facility will offer a casino with 1,500 to 1,800 gaming machines, 44 gaming tables, 18-story hotel and convention center.
