Rockford’s temporary Hard Rock casino to open in October 2021
ROCKFORD (WREX) — Hard Rock announced during a vendor fair on Wednesday that the temporary casino in Rockford will open in October 2021.
During the question and answer segment, a participant asked when the grand opening event would be held. Hard Rock said it won't be decided until they understand the construction timeline better, but that it would be in October.
The temporary casino was approved in June. The temporary location inside Giovanni's would house 736 slots, a snack bar, casino bar and Legacy Restaurant, which is already there. Plans released by Hard Rock show that it would be open for 18 to 24 months while construction on the Hard Rock Casino is underway.
Construction is underway on the permanent facility, which will include a sportsbook, more than 600 gaming machines and two restaurants. The $8.8 million renovation of Giovanni's will take roughly 90 days.
Illinois law allows the temporary casino to be open for up to two years while the permanent location is built.