- Hard Rock Casino Rockford will officially open on August 29, 2024.
- The 175,000-square-foot casino will offer 50 live table games with blackjack and roughly 1,300 slot machines.
- The grand opening ceremony will feature a guitar smashing for the permanent casino.
ROCKFORD, Ill. – After 30 years of waiting, the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, Illinois will celebrate a grand opening. Playing blackjack at the Hard Rock will become reality when doors open at 3 p.m. on Aug. 29, 2024.
“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 in a press release. "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 plans on adding 400 more employees to staff the Rockford casino. There will also be an entertainment venue that spans 23,000 square feet and can hold up to 2,000 guests for shows and concerts.
More Places To Play Blackjack Than Temporary Casino
The temporary Hard Rock Casino Rockford has operated since November 2021 but will upgrade on Aug. 29. The new casino, located off the I-90 State Street exit, will offer 50 tables with live dealer blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and more.
There will also be a poker room, a sportsbook, six restaurants, bars, and a Hard Rock merchandise shop. Most residents and vacationers will be more excited about the Illinois blackjack offerings at the permanent casino since the temporary Hard Rock Casino Rockford location has mostly electronic table games and less live dealer tables.