Hard Rock Rockford Opens in Illinois on August 29

Rockford, IL — After operating from a temporary location for nearly two years, Hard Rock Casino Rockford is set to unveil its highly anticipated permanent facility on August 29, 2024. The grand opening marks a significant milestone for both Hard Rock International and the Rockford community, promising an infusion of economic benefits and a boost to the region’s entertainment landscape.

Located at 7801 E. State Street, just off the I-90 State Street exit, the new Hard Rock Casino Rockford will open its doors at exactly 3 p.m. with a “star-studded Guitar Smash,” a signature Hard Rock celebration. This event will symbolize not just the culmination of years of planning and construction but also the beginning of a new chapter for the community and the casino itself.

The casino’s journey from a temporary setup at 610 N. Bell School Road to a state-of-the-art facility has been long-awaited. Construction began in September 2022, with initial plans for completion in 2023, but the timeline shifted, leading to the grand launch now set for 2024.

The new facility spans over 175,000 square feet and is set to offer an array of attractions:

• Nearly 1,300 slot machines
• 50 live table games
• A poker room
• A state-of-the-art sportsbook
• Six different dining options
• A rock shop

These features are designed to cater to a broad audience, promising to enhance Rockford’s entertainment options and attract visitors from across the region.

In addition to entertainment, the new casino is poised to make a substantial economic impact. With over 400 new jobs expected, Hard Rock Rockford is actively encouraging Illinois residents to explore these opportunities. The company’s focus on employment is part of a broader commitment to economic growth and community development.

Jon Lucas highlighted this aspect, noting:

 

“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.”

 

Anticipating Revenue Growth

The expansion to a larger, permanent facility aligns with Hard Rock’s growth strategy. The venue is designed to accommodate up to 2,000 guests, which is expected to drive significant revenue increases. Early indicators of success were already visible with the temporary location generating $6.6 million in May 2024, marking a 6% increase from April's $6.2 million.

The company’s ability to stabilize and grow its earnings despite a slow start to the year underscores the anticipated positive impact of the new facility.

The grand opening of Hard Rock Casino Rockford comes amid broader discussions about expanding gaming in Illinois. A recent tax hike on online sports betting is generating additional revenue for the state, and industry experts speculate that online casinos could be the next frontier for legal gaming in Illinois.

This context of evolving gaming legislation enhances the significance of the new Hard Rock Casino, positioning it as a cornerstone of Rockford’s economic and entertainment future while reflecting broader trends in the state’s gaming industry.

A Shared Journey with Hard Rock Bristol

Illinois isn’t the only state seeing a Hard Rock Casino open its doors this year. On June 5, the company announced that the grand opening of its permanent location in Bristol, Virginia, would also occur later in 2024. This expansion reflects Hard Rock’s strategic commitment to establishing prominent venues across the United States.

The opening of Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s permanent facility on August 29 marks a transformative moment for the Rockford community and Hard Rock International. It is a testament to years of planning, community support, and a vision for economic growth and enhanced entertainment. As guests gather for the grand celebration, the excitement is palpable, signaling a new era for gaming and entertainment in Rockford.