Hard Rock Casino in Gary Sets Opening Date
(rendering courtesy of the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is set to open to the public May 14, following a guitar smashing ceremony that will mark completion of the $300 million gaming facility in Gary. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report the 200,000-square-foot building will feature table games, a sportsbook, and five restaurants.
“We are extremely excited about the future in Indiana,” said Jon Lucas, chief operating officer of Hard Rock International. “There certainly have been a few speed bumps along the way, but we believe they’re behind us now.”
Hard Rock International, which is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, will be the operator and part owner of the new casino along with Indianapolis-based Spectacle Entertainment.
“Projects like these don’t come along often,” said Greg Gibson, Spectacle vice chairman. “And we’re ready to show how Indiana investors and an international corporate brand can collaborate to bring these fantastic facilities to the state of Indiana.”
According to the publication, Lucas did not specify when the Majestic Star Casinos in Gary will permanently cease operations. As part of a 2019 state law, the Majestic Star is required to close when Hard Rock opens, in part because all Majestic Star employees are required to be offered jobs at the new casino.
“I do believe, along with my colleagues, this project will not only be a positive attribute for my community but a game-changer,” said Senator Eddie Melton, D-Gary. “It’s always been my hope that we continue to build on this project and not only grow the development of the footprint of Hard Rock Casino, but also look at the untapped resources within the Buffington Harbor area where Majestic Star Casino currently sits and utilizing that as more of a logistics, parks, or light manufacturing/industrial to grow the economic development in the city of Gary.”
The Times reports the casino will host an invite-only friends and family event May 11 and a VIP opening May 13.