Over 1 million guests visit Hard Rock Casino Rockford in first year

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Hard Rock Casino Rockford celebrated its first anniversary with an employees-only party on August 29, 2024.

The casino, which opened its doors on August 29, 2024, has welcomed over one million guests in its first year. The anniversary celebration featured a special appearance by Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen, a Rockford native and Rock-and-Roll Hall-of-Famer.

“Well, we’re proud. We love this community. We love being a part of the community,” said Geno Iafrate, President of Hard Rock Casino Rockford. “Anyone who gets off exit 15 to look right at Rick’s guitar, and looks right at the Hard Rock, is welcome to Hard Rock and welcome to Rockford. And we’re proud of it.”

Since its opening, the casino has generated over $8 million in tax revenue for Winnebago County. A significant portion of this revenue supports the Rockford Promise Scholarship Program, which benefits local students.

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