Hard Rock Closes Temporary Rockford Casino Ahead of Permanent Venue Opening

During the construction of the Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s permanent casino location, Hard Rock operated in Rockford, Illinois, from a temporary location on 610 N. Bell School Road. Ahead of the opening of the permanent casino, the leading gaming and entertainment company confirmed the closure of the temporary location.

The temporary venue closed its doors on Monday, August 12, 2024. A range of closing festivities accompanied the event, including Midnight Madness Hot Seat giveaways throughout the night, as well as the doubling of the last jackpot up to $10,000. The winner of the last jackpot also won two free Brad Paisley tickets for the concert that will recognize the grand opening of Hard Rock Casino Rockford ahead of Labor Day.

Earlier this summer, Hard Rock confirmed that its permanent Rockford casino will open on August 29. At the start of the month, the company reiterated its plans, confirming that Hard Rock Casino Rockford will open on the aforementioned date, ahead of Labor Day.

The permanent location is near the temporary venue. It is located just off I-90 at 7801 E. State Street in Rockford. Hard Rock Casino Rockford will offer more than 175,000 square feet of gaming and entertainment space. Moreover, the permanent location will deliver food and beverage, as well as hospitality options.

Visitors to the permanent location who have Players Club membership will benefit from seamless experiences thanks to the transfer of the membership from the temporary to the permanent location. This will enable them to continue benefiting from special privileges and ensure access to rewards. To elevate the excitement, Hard Rock’s permanent casino will honor restaurant certificates and gift cards purchased at the temporary venue.

The Permanent Casino Will Bring Many Amenities, Large Gaming Floor

Geno Iafrate, Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s president, spoke earlier this month about the success the temporary venue enjoyed. He revealed that the temporary casino welcomed guests from all 50 states, as well as DC, and more than 30 different countries across the globe.

Overall, according to Iafrate, 1.5 million people visited the temporary casino since it opened its doors late in 2021. “The time has come for the Opening Act to become the headliner just down the street,” he added.

Iafrate said that the permanent Hard Rock Casino Rockford would offer a sportsbook, 50 live table games and close to 1,300 slot machines. He predicted the temporary casino would become a top entertainment location for the Midwest, offering not only gaming but a range of other amenities, including shopping and food and beverage outlets.

In a recent interview for Fox 39, Iafrate said that many of the casino visitors found it sad to see the temporary venue close. Yet, he said they are excited about the upcoming opening of the permanent casino.

Delayed due to the pandemic, the construction of the permanent casino has taken approximately two years. Hard Rock Casino Rockford has a price tag of a staggering $310 million.