Construction for the Hard Rock Casino Rockford officially started two weeks ago, but it’s been a good eight years in the making. Here’s a look back at key events that lead up to last month’s groundbreaking ceremony.
2008: Plans for a $25 million “Rick’s Place” restaurant, hotel and guitar museum featuring instruments from Cheap Trick legend Rick Nielsen’s collection evaporate amid a real estate market collapse and The Great Recession.
2014: Dotty’s gambling café chain owner Dan Fischer forges a partnership with Ringland Johnson Construction President Brent Johnson and Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen to pursue a casino in Rockford.
November 2016: The Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center closes after being ordered to repair code violations.
