Spectacle Entertainment and Hard Rock International have aligned to announce the development and construction of the $400m Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.
The joint venture of the 200,000 square foot entertainment complex will see the property include more than 2,130 gaming positions, a sportsbook, six food venues, retail shop and 2,000-seat showroom. Phase two of the project will see the addition of a 200-plus-room hotel and a multi-level parking garage.
An official groundbreaking ceremony was held last week at the construction site in the city of Gary, attended by state and local officials as well as a number of executives of both organisations alongside guests of honour Tito, Jackie and Marlon Jackson.
Rod Ratcliff, Spectacle Entertainment chairman and chief executive officer, commented: “Breaking ground for Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is the start of an incredible partnership between Spectacle Entertainment, Hard Rock International and the City of Gary, Indiana.
“It is an honour to be here today and to see this dream become a reality. A lot of work has gone into this project, a lot of planning. I’m grateful to all those who played a part in it. There is no doubt this is a game changer for Gary, Indiana and the entire Northern Indiana region.”
Utilising the Hard Rock name, which boasts a presence in 76 countries, Spectacle is confident visitors will be attracted throughout the region and beyond to maximise job creation and increase tax revenues.
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is forecasting more than $20m annually in tax revenue and payments to the City of Gary and surrounding communities, as well as the creation of approximately 1,000 construction jobs, with an emphasis to hire union labour, and an estimated additional 500 jobs are expected.
Additionally, Spectacle Entertainment has a commitment to local investment with a pledge to work with minority and women owned businesses. Currently all 17 senior leaders at Spectacle’s Majestic Star Casino are board directors for local charitable and community organisations in Gary and the Northern Indiana region.
The team has sponsored, participated and volunteered for multiple local events and programs throughout the year, with a plan to directly drive more than $500,000 in fundraising in 2020.
“It’s an honour to partner with Spectacle Entertainment on this project, bringing the Hard Rock brand of world-class entertainment to Northern Indiana,” said Jon Lucas, chief operating officer of Hard Rock International. “This property will be the premier casino destination in the region.”
