As Hard Rock Casino Rockford gears up for its grand unveiling, the excitement couldn’t be more tangible. Hard Rock’s journey was made possible by a gambling expansion law that was signed into effect by Governor JB Pritzker in July 2019. This gambling expansion allowed the construction of 6 new casinos in the state.
Rockford’s temporary casino at 610 N. Bell School Road was the first to open its doors and has been making extraordinary progress towards its permanent facility. Despite the temporary casino’s humble beginnings, the venue has already left a considerable mark on the casino gambling scene in Illinois.
The eagerly awaited Hard Rock Casino Rockford is expected to welcome guests in August 2024 and the excitement couldn’t be more palpable. Not too long ago, the casino finally unveiled a series of captivating renderings that offer a glimpse of what awaits customers both inside and outside the colossal complex.
The renderings reveal a world of grandeur, starting with a majestic front entrance that will be crowned by a towering replica of Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Rick Nielsen’s iconic checkerboard guitar. The guitar pays homage to Rockford’s musical legend and perfectly sets the tone for the experience that lies within.
The renderings also gave a peek at the food and beverage center, which will have an array of delights to tantalize. Those looking for a more upscale experience will be treated to the Council Oak restaurant, which is designed to deliver gastronomic excellence.
The exterior of the casino is equally captivating, showcasing a layout with an abundance of parking spaces for customers and guests. The renders were released hot on the heels of the Illinois Gaming Board’s decision to extend operations at the Opening Act casino on 610 N. What’s more, for the first time, Hard Rock Casino Rockford has announced its target opening date – late August 2024.
The grand opening of the new casino is expected to coincide with Labor Day in 2024, promising an exhilarating start to the venture. Geno Iafrate, President of Hard Rock Rockford, expressed gratitude for the support that has so far been received from the Illinois Gaming Board.
What we cover
So, what can guests expect once the doors of this new casino swing open?
Guests should prepare themselves for an electrifying gambling experience owing to the vast selection of games to be housed on the casino floor. Hardrock expects to have 1300 electronic gaming devices by the launch date.
In total, there will be 44 live tables, and if poker is your game of choice, 6 live poker tables await your best hand. For sports enthusiasts, there will also be a sportsbook. Other amenities include the iconic Hard Rock Café, the Council Oak Restaurant, as well as the luxurious and exclusive Plum VIP Lounge.
In addition to all the dining options available, there will also be a food hall where guests can continue to explore more culinary delights. The crown jewel of entertainment at the new facility will be the Hard Rock Live. This entertainment venue boasts a 1,600-seat multi-use entertainment venue.
New developments occur as Hard Rock casino land is sold for $100 million
The construction process kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony in September. Now, the promise of this world-class entertainment and gambling destination is taking shape. In a remarkable turn of events, however, the landscape of Rockford is expected to change dramatically with the emergence of a new owner, Gaming Leisure Properties Inc. (GLPI).
Gaming Leisure Properties purchased the land for approximately $100 million from 815 Entertainment, which also operates the temporary casino nearby. Despite its humble beginnings, the temporary venue has already left a considerable mark on the casino gambling scene in Illinois.
In July alone, the temporary venue raked in over $6 million in adjusted gross revenue (AGR) securing its place as the 9th highest earner out of the state’s 14 casinos. This has been quite the achievement considering Illinois boasts the second smallest gambling floor and only just recently expanded its table game options.
But this performance is only the tip of the iceberg as the most exciting developments are still yet to come as the permanent venue takes form. This venue is expected to welcome its first guests in September 2024 and will cover a sprawling 177,000 square feet.
Within this expanse will be a dedicated 60,000 square feet that will be allocated to the casino floor. This floor will house 1,250 slot machines at first but will be poised for expansion. For lovers of table games, the casino plans to offer 50 options.
Sports betting enthusiasts will be delighted by the retail sportsbook that will also have online offerings. Poker lovers will also be treated to the massive six-table poker room. Behind the scenes, the construction of the grand hotel and casino complex is a monumental undertaking, with an estimated cost of $358 million.
The $358 million encompasses both the temporary and permanent facilities but only $120 million has been invested so far in bringing this ambitious project to completion. One of the biggest milestones in the construction process of the casino was reached in mid-July when the final steel beam for the outer structure was finally put in place.
The event was attended by the who’s who including Hard Rock International’s Chief Operating Officer, Jon Lucas. Lucas acknowledged that the placement of the construction beam was a vital step toward the realization of the casino’s vision.
Final Thoughts
With the acquisition of the land by Gaming Leisure Properties Inc., Hard Rock Casino is set to define the gambling experience in Illinois. As the casino keeps taking shape, anticipation is building for its grand opening next September 2024. This new casino is expected to become a gaming and entertainment destination like no other and will set the stage for a thrilling new chapter in the city’s history.
With late August 2024 and a Labor Day grand opening celebration fast approaching, the casino’s future as a premier gaming and entertainment hub shines brighter than ever. The journey has been long but the final pieces of the puzzle are slowly falling into place.
