Marlon, Jackie, and Tito Jackson at the ground breaking. Image: The Times of Northwest Indiana/John J. Watkins
Good news to those who have been keen on what is happening with the New Hard Rock Casino in Gary Indiana! The much anticipated moment has finally come, with Rod Ratcliff the Former Spectacle Entertainment CEO, alongside Indiana Gaming Commission finally striking an agreement. This comes barely 2 months after the former CEO sued the state-owned agency after it suspended his gaming license.
The Property
The New land-based casino is one of the finest occupying a 200,000 square foot area is expected to be the ultimate gaming hub. Gamers should expect to indulge in unmatched gaming and entertainment. The expansive area will host 1650 slot machines, a 1954-seat hard Rock venue for entertainment and concerts, a sportsbook, 80 table games, and a bar. Also, underway is a plan for the Hard Rock Hotel that will feature between 200 to 300 rooms, with a multi-level parking space that will replace the Casino’s surface parking used at the beginning of the project.
Planned Opening
The exact opening date for opening the casino is not clear but spring 2021 appears to be certainly the date, according to the casino website. This is long overdue given the fact that the groundbreaking was held on the 9th of January 2020. The series of events that unfolded in December 2020 has led to this delay, with Rod Ratcliff’s occupational gaming license suspended temporarily. He has not been charged with any crimes.
According to a letter dated 2nd March 2021, from the Indiana Gaming Commission, Gary inland casino has been given a go-ahead to resume its project under present circumstances. The commission agrees the project is not only important to its employees and their families, but also to the city of Gary.
The new Hard Rock casino replaces Buffington Harbor’s Majestic Star boats that appear to have lost their glory. Existing workers will move to the new Gary Casino to join hundreds of new employees that are expected to join the gaming facility.
Timelines
The mega project has been split into two phases:
- Phase 1-at this stage, the 200,000-foot land-based casino will be constructed. The Hard Rock Live concert venue will also be completed at this stage. Additionally, a Hard Rock Café will also be completed at this stage. The ground-breaking ceremony held on 9th Jan 2020 marked the beginning of this stage and the closing date is set for spring 2021.
- Phase 2-the 200-300 room and the multi-level parking is set to be constructed during this second phase. This should begin in 2022 and close in 2023.
Location and Amenities
The state-of-the-art Hard Rock Casino occupying a 27-acre parcel is situated on the southern side of Borman Expressway, along Burr Street and on 29th street.
This hub of gaming activity will boast a $300 million casino, 1650 slot machines, Sportsbook, a 200,000 square foot gaming area, and 80 table games. The hard Rock Café is on top of the list, followed by five more restaurants that are yet to be announced.
A 200 to 300 hotel room set to begin and complete in 2022 and 2023 respectively. A Rock Shop will also be available, fully-packed with music gifts, clothing, and other accessories. Furthermore, a concert venue with 2000-seats will be available to cater to your entertainment needs.
New Hard Rock Casino in Gary appears to have solicited a lot of attention and acceptance from the locals. A recent vendor fair that took place at Gary’s Arthouse was aimed at seeking locals who can provide much-needed commodities and services to the new casino. These include bakery goods, snow removal services, custom millwork, DJs, and many others. The new casino will impact positively the locality.
