Rockford Sun

The culmination of 20 years of work by state and local officials will become a reality today with the opening of the Hard Rock Casino on State Street in Rockford.

Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) has collaborated with many civic leaders for over two decades to bring this project to fruition. After being elected, Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) joined the effort. The Hard Rock Casino will officially open to the public at 3:00 p.m. on August 29, following a program featuring the Governor and other government and business officials at 2:00 p.m.

“Today, we proudly cross the finish line of 20 years of tireless work, delivering on our promise to the community. This project has exceeded all expectations, and we’re honored to have secured the best location with an exceptional gaming company, making it the talk of the State,” Senator Syverson said. “We couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of our dedicated team.”

Realizing the benefits a casino could bring to the region, Senator Syverson began working on this project more than 20 years ago.

“Our push for this casino went through four governors, and each time we had to retell our story. When two of our supporting local legislators retired (Representatives Doug Scott and Chuck Jefferson), new ones like Senator Stadelman and Representative Maurice West joined in our push,” Senator Syverson said. “We had busloads of supporters going to Springfield to tell our story and show support. While it took longer than we had hoped, in the end we got more than what we had dreamed it would be when we first began this journey.”

Senators Syverson and Stadelman co-sponsored Senate Bill 690, which was passed on June 2, 2019. The proposal was signed into law on June 28, 2019 by Gov. JB Pritzker, who personally thanked lawmakers for finally getting the bill passed after more than two decades of effort.

“There are a lot of people to thank who helped keep this vision alive year after year as we worked to pass the gaming bill. Rockford area community and elected leaders stuck with us and helped us make the case for Rockford,” Senator Syverson said. “As those leaders retired, new ones stepped in to help us get over the finish line.”

Senator Syverson noted that watching the building take shape over the past two years has been significant, knowing its impact on the region. From creating numerous construction jobs to employing more than 800 individuals as part of this venture, Hard Rock Casino is expected to offer top-notch dining and entertainment experiences.