The Illinois Gaming Board approved a request from Hard Rock Casino Rockford officials to extend the license for its temporary location as work continues on the permanent location.
The extension will allow the company to keep the Rockford Casino: A Hard Rock Opening Act open until November 2024; the permanent venue is expected to open in late August 2024. The temporary facility opened in November 2021.
Hard Rock Casino Rockford officials also presented to the gaming board new images of the 187,000-square-foot facility, located on 22 acres at the former Clock Tower Resort.
Officials said construction is on schedule, with the concrete roof scheduled for installation later this month.
The casino will feature its close association with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band Cheap Trick, whose lead guitarist, Rick Nielsen, is a Rockford native and a casino investor. A larger-than-life replica of his signature checkerboard guitar will greet guests at the entryway.
