It’s the opening act, with guitar-shaped shovels in the ground for the future Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa.

Construction has officially started on Ottawa’s rebranded casino after years of delays. On Tuesday afternoon, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Rideau Carleton Casino, the site of the new facility.

“We’re finally here,” said Hard Rock International COO Jon Lucas. “We’re excited, we’re breaking ground today, and it’s a glorious day. We’re a hospitality company, we are focused on food and beverage, restaurants, hotel, entertainment, nightlife and oh, by the way, we have some gaming too.”

According to Hard Rock, the $350-million construction project is expected to create nearly 1,900 direct and indirect construction and ongoing employment opportunities in the city of Ottawa.