Joan Jett, Brad Paisley to be among first performers at future Hard Rock Casino Rockford
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Hard Rock Casino Rockford has announced two of its first musical acts and unveiled a glimpse at the future Hard Rock Live entertainment venue where they’ll perform.
The grand-opening weekend lineup will include Joan Jett & The Blackhearts on Saturday, Aug. 31 and Brad Paisley on Sunday, Sept. 1. The casino said it will announce a performer for Friday, Aug. 30 soon.
“Entertainment is at the heart of Hard Rock Casino Rockford,” Geno Iafrate, president of Hard Rock Casino Rockford, said in a news release. “We’re all about creating memorable experiences, and we’re ready to showcase industry-leading musical acts to provide our guests with an unforgettable opening weekend and give them a taste of what’s to come. Get ready to rock with us!”
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The grand opening for the casino at 7801 E. State St. will be approximately 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29 after a guitar-smashing ceremony that serves as Hard Rock’s version of a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Tickets for Joan Jett & The Blackhearts go on sale at noon on Monday and tickets for Brad Paisley go on sale at noon on Friday, June 21. Tickets will be able to be purchased on Hard Rock’s website and at TicketMaster.com.
The casino made that announcement Friday and unveiled a rendering of how its future Hard Rock Live entertainment venue will look. The venue spans 23,000-square feet and can accommodate up to 2,000 guest for concerts and performances.
The full casino, which is near the Interstate 90 and East State Street intersection, spans nearly 180,000 square feet and will include 1,300 slots, 50 live table games including poker, a sports book, six restaurants and a Rock Shop offering authentic Hard Rock merchandise and more.
Dining options include Hard Rock Cafe, the upscale Council Oaks steakhouse and a food hall with YouYu Noodle Bar, Brick’d Oven Pizza, Constant Grind bistro and coffee shop, and a taco concept that has yet to be named. VIP guests can also order cocktails and food from the exclusive Plum Lounge.
The company is still working to hire more than 400 people to staff the new facility. You can apply at GoToWorkHappy.com.
