The unique Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood celebrated its grand opening on August 8. In the heart of the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota, this first-of-its-kind facility in the Hard Rock International portfolio hosted South Dakota officials and local Native American tribe members, as well as several thousand other visitors. The ceremony reportedly featured proclamations, gift exchange, and festive events cherishing the inclusion of the famous brand and its unique facility in the local community offerings.
Hard Rock Day:
The opening of the region’s latest economic driver started with the proclamation of Gov. Kristi Noem. “For years, historic Deadwood and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally have given countless individuals the opportunity to vacation and to enjoy the state of South Dakota. “This new Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood will make those opportunities even better for years to come,” Gov. Noem reportedly said and added: ” In fact, as Governor of South Dakota, I am proclaiming today `Hard Rock Day’ across the entire state of South Dakota.”
Justifying the Brand Name:
Hard Rock International boast of the Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood for offering a unique boutique hotel and casino experience, with 86 new slot machines and a restaurant with catering and ambient delicacies topped with prestigious music experience justifying the name of the brand. The on-site Rock Shop serves the same purpose, while the luxurious guest rooms will invite rock music and casino fans as soon as they open later in 2023.
Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer at Hard Rock International, reportedly said: “Hard Rock prides itself on being able to provide authentic and memorable experiences for our guests embodied by music and rich cultural history. We are thrilled to become a part of one of the most celebrated historic places in the U.S. and provide an economic stimulus to the city of Deadwood.”
Iconic Location:
Deadwood Mayor, David Ruth, expressed his pleasure to have the Hard Rock brand brought to one of the most celebrated Wild West towns in the U.S. “As a community famous for entertaining guests since 1876, Deadwood is excited to welcome Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood as our newest, can’t-miss property.”
Mayor Ruth added: ”Our rich, Old West history combined with the Hard Rock brand will enhance the Deadwood experience for which we are known for. The Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood is sure to be an additional gem luring visitors to this amazing town.”
Guests and Events:
The grand opening was also attended by Karen, Bill, and Willie G. Davidson, the descendants of the founders of the Harley-Davidson Motor Co., as the partners of Hard Rock Heals Foundation. The Davidsons and Hard Rock International’s Jon Lucas handed a $40,000 check to the Oglala Sioux Tribe Veterans Shelter. Then, Seminole and Sioux tribal leaders traditionally exchanged gifts during the ceremony, which continued with the Hard Rock’s traditional Guitar Smash event featuring 22 performers smashing guitars on stage.
Rocksino Experience Arrived:
Big Kenny of the country music duo Big & Rich explained: “These were not real guitars, but Hollywood prop guitars. In fact, Hard Rock donates thousands of real guitars to music students around the world.” The festive part of the grand opening ceremony featured a performance by the Wakinyan Luta Drum Circle. Then the famous band Sublime with Rome had an outdoor concert and made the Black Hills of South Dakota echo with Hard Rock sound to welcome Rocksino in the historical town of Deadwood.