South Dakota: Deadwood welcomes Hard Rock’s Rocksino

Thursday, August 10, 2023 2:28 PM
Photo:  Courtesy
  • Rege Behe, CDC Gaming

Deadwood, South Dakota, this week welcomed the opening of Rocksino, a boutique hotel and casino from the Hard Rock International portfolio. The grand opening on August 8 featured members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and South Dakota Sioux and a guitar smash with members of the Harley-Davidson family.

“For years, historic Deadwood and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally have given countless individuals the opportunity to vacation and to enjoy the state of South Dakota,” said South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem stated in a proclamation during the grand opening. “This new Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood will make those opportunities even better for years to come. In fact, as governor of South Dakota, I am proclaiming today `Hard Rock Day’ across the entire state of South Dakota.”

Rocksino features many of the same amenities featured at Hard Rock properties but on a smaller scale. The new Deadwood property includes 86 slot machines, a full-service restaurant and bar with craft cocktails, and music memorabilia at the on-site Rock Shop.

“Hard Rock prides itself on being able to provide authentic and memorable experiences for our guests embodied by music and rich cultural history,” said Hard Rock International Chief Operating Officer Jon Lucas. “We are thrilled to become a part of one of the most celebrated historic places in the U.S. and provide an economic stimulus to the city of Deadwood.”

Deadwood Mayor David Ruth noted that Steve Slowey of Slowey Construction and Marc Oswald of the Oswald Entertainment Group partnered to bring the Hard Rock to South Dakota.

“As a community famous for entertaining guests since 1876, Deadwood is excited to welcome Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood as our newest, can’t-miss property,” said Ruth. “Our rich, Old West history combined with the Hard Rock brand will enhance the Deadwood experience for which we are known for. The Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood is sure to be an additional gem luring visitors to this amazing town.”

Rege Behe is lead contributor to CDC Gaming. He can be reached at rbehe@cdcgaming.com. Please follow @RegeBehe_exPTR on Twitter.