Three of the five members of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission recently toured the 8 million Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City, which had its grand opening last August 1. Commission Chairman Jeff Lamberti said, “It’s what we hoped to see. What we focus on is not just gaming, it’s the amenities, too, and this is one of the nicest ones we have. To me, the most impressive thing is the overall feel. This has a very high-end feel and a lot of attention to detail.”
In November 2013, after an intense competition and a 3-2 vote, the commission awarded a gaming license to the Hard Rock group to develop a land-based casino in Woodbury County.
Commissioner Carl Heinrich had attended the grand opening and noted the difference from 2013 to the present at the property. “I’m very impressed with the planning and operations here,” he said.
As the Hard Rock approaches its first anniversary, Lamberti said, “It’s a great facility. The city should be proud to have it here.”
