Rockford Hard Rock Casino announces hotel, convention center addition

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By CORINA CURRY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

ROCKFORD, IL — Hard Rock Casino Rockford plans to add a more than 200-room hotel, spa and fitness facility, new food and beverage offerings and a 15,000-square-foot convention center with construction kicking off in 2026.

“We’re doubling down on Rockford,” Geno Iafrate, president of Hard Rock Casino Rockford, said in a news release. “This hotel and convention center cements our commitment to this community and its growing needs. Our belief is that this region is a destination that can compete at the highest level. We’re not going anywhere; instead, we’re defining and building what’s next in expanding our role as the premier entertainment destination in the region.”

According to the release, funding for hotel construction will be issued through the city of Rockford’s bonding authority with Hard Rock holding sole responsibility on the repayment.

“Hard Rock Rockford has been an outstanding partner to our community,” Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said in the release. “Strengthening that partnership and expanding its impact requires continued growth of the Hard Rock campus. We are proud to build on this relationship in a way that helps retain visitors and drives sustained growth in shared revenue.”

Ho-Chunk Nation is planning a September grand opening for its 240,478-square-foot casino resort 17 miles north of Rockford in Beloit, Wisconsin. Ho-Chunk plans to open a 312-room hotel and 76,413-square-foot convention center in 2027.

The Rockford hotel and convention center will be Illinois’ only Hard Rock Hotel. Similar to the casino’s rock-and-roll decor, the hotel will display items from local and global musical talents including guitars from the collection of Rockford native and Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen.

“This project will drive visitation, create jobs, and create untapped revenue opportunities for the area.” Iafrate said, adding that the new hotel and convention center is step one in a multi-phase expansion with additional details to be released soon.