After a long wait, the permanent facility for Hard Rock Casino Rockford will have its grand opening on Aug. 29.
In typical rock and roll style, the grand opening for Hard Rock will be marked with a guitar smashing.
Hard Rock is hoping its new home being unveiled will help it gain market share in the Illinois casino landscape.
All details of the grand opening of Hard Rock Rockford’s permanent home
While regulatory approval is still required to open its doors, it is expected that the new Hard Rock Casino Rockford facility will have its grand opening at about 3 p.m. on Aug. 29.
The new facility is located at 7801 E. State St. in Rockford, right off the I-90 State Street exit. The new casino will have over 175,000 square feet of space for gaming, entertainment, and other amenities. The plan is to have 1,300 slot machines, 50 table games, and a poker room. A new sportsbook will also be available, along with restaurants and shopping.
Jon Lucas, chief operating officer for Hard Rock International, discussed the potential impact the permanent facility could have on the community.
“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.”
Hard Rock has been hard at work filling out the ranks to prepare for its grand opening by going on a mass hiring spree.
Hard Rock Rockford excited to capitalize on success of temporary facility
Hard Rock Rockford has been operating out of a temporary casino known as Hard Rock: An Opening Act, which has been located at 610 N. Bell School Road since 2021.
Despite lacking space and amenities, the casino has been middle of the pack most months in adjusted gross receipts. In May, Hard Rock generated $6.6 million in revenue, which was ninth out of Illinois’ 15 casinos. But that has a lot to do with Hard Rock operating in the second-smallest space of any Illinois casino. That will change when the official grand opening arrives in late August.
The president of Hard Rock Casino, Geno Iafrate, is happy with the casino’s production so far and is excited about the future.
“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.”