Hard Rock Casino Rockford stated its case Wednesday to the Illinois Gaming Board for approval of a 65,000-square foot casino and a 1,600-seat concert venue.
Hard Rock International Chief Operating Officer Jon Lucas touted a number of initiatives and proposals for the board’s consideration, including:
- An investment of $310 million with a commitment to employ Rockford firms and businesses.
- More than 40% in investments from women and minorities, 15% higher than the aspirational goal of 25%
- Approximately 800-1,000 permanent living wage jobs and 1,200 jobs during construction
- The Hard Rock’s longstanding relationships with rock and pop musicians including guitarist Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, a Rockford native who will provide signature merchandise.
- The company’s involvement in 16 casino properties, 12 of which are operating, and four pending including the Rockford site.
“We have an exciting, energetic, and sophisticated lifestyle brand,” Lucas told the board. “A world-class management team with a lot of experience and extensive jurisdictional licensing experience.
The Hard Rock Casino Rockford is being financed by 815 Entertainment; a company established to connect Hard Rock International with investors. That group will serve as the developer of the proposed entertainment complex, with a temporary gaming facility to open within 90 days of approval of the gaming license.
Managing member Dan Fisher of 815 Entertainment estimated that the project will produce $282 million of economic output annually. The proposed site is at the former Clock Tower Resort, which featured restaurants, a conference center, and a clock museum,
“The Hard Rock brand will transform this iconic piece of property that has local historical significance, tremendous visibility, and access to Interstate 90,” Fisher said.
Lucas cited an independent study conducted by The Innovation Group, an independent gaming consultant, that adding the Hard Rock brand to a casino increases revenue by 16%.
“We have seen, both on the hotel side and the casino side, where if we take the brand and put it on the results have been incredible,” Lucas said. “And we’ve also seen when the brand comes off, it tends to trend downward.”
Rockford City Council certified Hard Rock’s bid in 2019 when Illinois lawmakers approved a gaming industry expansion in the state. Six sites – Rockford, downtown Chicago, Waukegan, Danville, Williamson County, and the south Chicago suburbs – were given permission to add casinos. The Hard Rock Casino Rockford is the first to go before gaming regulators to seek approval.
Initially, the proposed casino will feature 1,500 slot machines and 55 table games, with room for expansion.
Illinois Gaming Control Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter said the conditions that must be met before approval is given include proof of adequate funding, and experience, and good standing in the gaming industry.
The board will convene in a closed session on Feb. 4, followed by an open session the same day, to render its final decision.
Rege Behe is lead contributor to CDC Gaming. He can be reached at rbehe@cdcgaming.com. Please follow @RegeBehe_exPTR on Twitter.
