Rep. Rita Joins State, Local Officials to Celebrate Opening of Rockford Casino
Rep. Rita Joins State, Local Officials to Celebrate Opening of Rockford Casino (Rockford, IL) – A northern Illinois city is celebrating a major economic development win, and State Rep. Bob Rita was there to help make it happen and join in the celebration.
Rep. Rita, D-Blue Island, joined state and local officials Thursday, Aug. 29, in Rockford for the debut of the $300 million Hard Rock Casino Rockford. It is one of six casinos fueling economic activity and job growth in communities across Illinois, as part of a legislative package pushed through the Legislature by Rep. Rita in 2019.
The new 175,000-square-foot casino features nearly 1,300 slot machines, 50 live table games including poker, a sportsbook, and a 1,600 seat Hard Rock Live entertainment venue drawing major musical artists. Players can enjoy several dining options in the casino and dozens of music memorabilia items are on display including guitars owned by Rockford native and Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen.
Rita’s hard work on the 2019 gaming bill was acknowledged at the grand opening ceremony featuring a live orchestra, speeches from dignitaries, and a “guitar smash” that is a Hard Rock signature.
Both Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and Gov. JB Pritzker spoke at length about Rep. Rita’s determination to help communities like Rockford by authorizing casinos that now are injecting new life into local economies. More than 1,200 union workers helped build the state-of-the-art facility in Rockford.
Rep. Rita said he was grateful for the gracious welcome he received in Rockford and looks forward to an even bigger celebration this fall with the opening of the Wind Creek Chicago Southland casino, a top priority for him in that gaming legislation.
“Since 2013, I have worked tirelessly on gaming legislation to create economic growth and jobs across Illinois. It’s exciting to see the hope and appreciation of the leaders and citizens in Rockford and other communities as these casinos open and become attractions,” Rita said. “This fall, we will take a major step forward for the Southland when the Wind Creek casino opens, and we will celebrate the important progress we will be making to bring new dollars and new opportunities to the region and to the state of Illinois.”
Rep. Rita Joins State, Local Officials to Celebrate Opening of Rockford Casino
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