Hard Rock Atlantic City announced last month that it would open on June 28 and of course, gambling will be an essential part of the festivities. When the announcement was made, however, Hard Rock AC didn’t have an NJ casino license in hand.
But now, the casino cleared a major hurdle this week to make sure 2,100 slots and 130 table games are ready to receive guests when the doors open.
Hard Rock took to Twitter to thank the Casino Control Commission for approving its newly-issued casino license.
Thank you to the Casino Control Commission for approving our casino license today.
See you at our grand opening, Noon, June 28th! pic.twitter.com/lxNB6czVmr
— Hard Rock Atlantic City (@HardRockHCAC) May 9, 2018
Just in the nick of time
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has been the darling of Atlantic City since last year when it announced its plans to buy the former Trump Taj Mahal.
They have been present in the community and busy building relationships with local officials and residents. The casino has communicated its plans every step of the way. It doesn’t hurt that it is also putting 3,500 area residents back to work.
Now, everyone can breathe a huge sigh of relief. The hotel and casino will actually have an operating casino on opening day — and just in the nick of time.
Opening day is about six weeks away and the work continues. Completely renovating the former Trump Taj Mahal has not been an easy task for the company.
This project has been more than just renovating a failed hotel for Hard Rock Atlantic City. The global brand understands that a successful business requires a thriving community and local economy. That is why they are investing in more than a casino. They are also investing in the future growth of Atlantic City.
“We could have just re-carpeted and put up some (memorabilia). But we want to grow Atlantic City rather than just moving people from an existing facility,” said Jim Allen, CEO of Hard Rock International to the Associated Press.
A casino license isn’t the only thing that is new
Today, Hard Rock Atlantic City announced its first retail partner, Bernie Robbins Jewelers. It will be the fifth store for the region’s premier jewelers and shows Hard Rock’s commitment to supporting local and regional businesses.
Today we are proud to announce our fifth jewelry store opening in Atlantic City’s newest premier entertainment destination, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City! https://t.co/vH0Tj3nd6y
— BernieRobbins (@BernieRobbins) May 10, 2018
But the big news about Hard Rock’s grand opening came yesterday when it announced its entertainment lineup:
Our Grand Opening Weekend entertainment announcement is here. Get ready to see @carrieunderwood and @pitbull! Tickets on sale this Friday. 🎉 pic.twitter.com/9bpqxTTUkH
— Hard Rock Atlantic City (@HardRockHCAC) May 9, 2018
Allen shared that Hard Rock Atlantic City has a $30 million entertainment budget for the first year. Visitors to The Boardwalk can expect more than 300 nights of live entertainment between now and next summer.
“What we have in store is going to blow people away,” said Jon Lucas, COO of Hard Rock International. “It’ll be a boost for the reinvention of Atlantic City.”
Hey, what about Ocean Resort Casino?
Ocean Resort Casino confirmed the rumor this week it is also opening on June 28. As of today, Ocean Resort has not secured its casino license.
The next meeting of the Casino Control Commission is June 6. It is also the last meeting before the scheduled opening date. Currently, there are not any notices on record for the meeting.
All of the signs point to Ocean Resort moving ahead and readying the property for its opening at the end of June. Officials have been sharing plans including partnerships with Hyatt, Mark Wahlberg, and Topgolf Swing Suites.
Just this week, the resort updated its website signaling it is ready to accept room reservations. If Ocean Resort Casino doesn’t make it onto the June 6 Casino Control Commission agenda, it will most likely still open without the casino.
Of course, this is all supposition while we continue to countdown to the big day.
Hard Rock Atlantic City is starting off on a solid foundation
Building projects of this size require companies to take on debt to acquire the necessary funding. Things are different for Hard Rock Atlantic City, though.
Hard Rock International partnered with local investors to self-finance Hard Rock Atlantic City. The casino will open its doors with zero debt, Allen said.
Additionally, the hotel and casino plans to join the crowded NJ gambling sites market as well as offer sports betting, pending the Supreme Court‘s decision on the topic which is due soon.
Hard Rock Atlantic City is poised to be part of The Boardwalk for years to come.
Book your rooms and get your tickets. You won’t want to miss the long-awaited, most-anticipated party of the year.