A new Hard Rock Casino set to open in Rockford, Illinois, will honor local hero Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick with a 62-foot-long replica of his Hamer Standard checkerboard guitar. The massive monument will stand in front of the casino’s new permanent location, which will have its grand opening on August 29.
After operating at a temporary location for several years, Hard Rock Casino Rockford will open its new state-of-the-art location at 7801 E. State Street, near I-90. It will feature 170,000 square feet of gaming space and a 2,000-seat event venue.
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Nielsen was a big supporter of the construction of a Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, and the giant replica of his famous Hamer Standard checkerboard will be on display just outside the casino’s entrance. Overall, the monument is 62 feet, 10 inches tall and 38 feet, 6 inches wide.
In addition to the guitar, the facade of the casino features the words “I Want You to Want Me,” reminiscent of the classic Cheap Trick song.
The casino’s opening weekend will feature concerts by Akon, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Brad Paisley. Cheap Trick, meanwhile, has tour dates scheduled from late August to early October, including opening acts for Def Leppard and Journey. Tickets for their upcoming shows are available here.
Check out a full rendering of the Hard Rock Casino Rockford in the image below. If you’re interested in a Hamer Standard or any other Rick Nielsen guitar through Reverb, click here or here.
