Hard Rock Casino Rockford permanent casino will open Aug. 29

The highly anticipated opening of Rockford’s long-desired casino is almost here.  Hard Rock International today revealed the grand opening date for Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s permanent facility will be Thursday, Aug. 29, with a star-studded Guitar Smash, in Hard Rock tradition. The doors will open to the public at approximately 3 p.m.

“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,” said Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer at Hard Rock International. “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.”

The new casino, located immediately off the I-90 State Street exit at 7801 E. State Street in Rockford, boasts more than 175,000 square feet of gaming, entertainment, and hospitality space, featuring a diverse array of attractions including nearly 1,300 slot machines, 50 live table games including a poker room, a state-of-the-art sportsbook, six unique restaurants, and a Rock Shop offering authentic Hard Rock merchandise and more.

“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,” says Geno Iafrate, President of Hard Rock Casino Rockford.

“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.”

One of the highlights of the new casino is the Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, spanning 23,000 square feet, accommodating up to 2,000 guests for concerts and performances.

Hard Rock is hiring more than 400 additional people to staff its new casino. For those interested in joining the band, visit GoToWorkHappy.com.

The entertainment powerhouse invites you to experience an electrifying musical celebration as part of its grand opening Labor Day weekend celebration with concert performances scheduled Friday, Aug. 30–Sunday, Sept. 1 at its new, permanent casino location, 7801 E. State St. in Rockford.

The full score of musical talent lined up for the kick-off celebration includes:

Friday, Aug. 30: Artist to be announced soon

Saturday, Aug. 31: Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Sunday, Sept. 1: Brad Paisley

Tickets for Joan Jett and The Blackhearts go on sale at noon on Monday, June 17, and tickets for Brad Paisley go on sale at noon on Friday, June 21.

Tickets can be purchased at HardRock.com/Rockford/Entertainment and at TicketMaster.com.

“Entertainment is at the heart of Hard Rock Casino Rockford,” says Geno Iafrate, President of Hard Rock Casino Rockford.

“We’re all about creating memorable experiences, and we’re ready to showcase industry-leading musical acts to provide our guests with an unforgettable opening weekend and give them a taste of what’s to come. Get ready to rock with us!”