The future Hard Rock Casino and Hard Rock Live entertainment venue in Rockford is shown on Saturday, July 6, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — City Council members have delayed a vote that would put a tax of up to 5% on tickets to concerts and shows at the future Hard Rock Live entertainment venue.

The tax, which would be paid by ticket buyers upon purchase, is meant to create a level playing field on customer cost between Hard Rock and the downtown Coronado Performing Arts Center and BMO Center, both which already have the tax applied.

The tax would be 3% if it is for a sporting event and 5% for other entertainment. It was laid over because, by rule, any two council members can delay a vote when it’s brought before the full City Council for the first time.

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The live venue and the casino, 7801 E. State St., are slated to open Aug. 29.

There’s no estimate yet on how much money the tax could generate. City officials say there isn’t enough information yet to know how many shows Hard Rock will have annually and at what ticket prices.

The revenue would go into the city’s redevelopment fund. That pool of money has paid for projects such as the recent renovations to reopen Millenium Fountain with a splash pad, redevelopment at Davis Park, and ongoing work at the Coronado and BMO. The fund also supports arts and cultural initiatives in the city.

In a separate vote, the City Council on Monday approved the liquor license for Hard Rock Casino.

The future casino 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.

The ticket tax would come back before the City Council in two weeks.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas