Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City
Missouri River Historical Development, Inc. (MRHD) and Sioux City Entertainment, Inc. have announced plans to participate in the RFP process conducted by Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission with a goal of building and operating a state-of-the-art entertainment facility in the heart of downtown Sioux City. The project, if selected, is expected to create more than 500 permanent jobs for the Sioux City community. Plans for the project, which would operate under the world-famous "Hard Rock Hotel & Casino" brand, will be submitted to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission for consideration. MHRD and the city of Sioux City have pledged their support of the project, which will provide the community with economic development and diversification benefits, as well as an exciting new tourism and entertainment amenity.
"The MRHD Board is thrilled with the preservation of an existing landmark and Sioux City Entertainment's embracing of the history and culture of our community. This facility will become a destination for people around the country with exciting entertainment and amenities. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino raises the bar in our community for years to come," said Mark Monson, President of Missouri River Historical Development, Inc.
"Our goal is to combine the authentic culture, strong musical appreciation, and deep sense of belonging unique to Sioux City with one of the most recognizable entertainment brands in the world: The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, becoming a celebrated destination for both locals and tourists alike," stated Bill Warner, President of Sioux City Entertainment, Inc.
"Not only are we projecting a significant increase in jobs from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City, but we also believe it will serve as a catalyst to ignite a downtown renaissance, further expanding the entertainment hub of Sioux City. We have enjoyed working with the Sioux City Entertainment staff and will continue to do our best to make sure we are successful in locating a new casino in downtown Sioux City," said Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott.
Upon successful awarding of the IRGC license in April of 2013, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City would be destined to become a premier attraction and significant driver of tourism to both Sioux City and the state of Iowa. Nestled in the Downtown District immediately adjacent to the I-29, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City would rest on 16 acres, incorporating and preserving the historic Battery Building, iconic to the local community.
The project is designed to be way more than "just a typical casino" and is jam-packed with venues and experiences that gamers and non-gamers alike can equally enjoy. There is literally something for everyone!
With its walls adored with legendary music memorabilia, ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Tommy Bolin, the 100,000 square foot Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City will feature 60-room hotel with boutique-style comfort and four-star level of service. Plus a vibrant casino floor filled with approximately 800 of the hottest slot machines and 32 of the most familiar table games. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City's key feature will be an approximately 800-Person Live Entertainment Venue featuring the stars of today, tomorrow, and yesteryear. Ranging from local performances to nationally recognized Country, Rock, and Pop talent, this high-energy venue will be heavily programmed to continue to provide yet another incredible nightlife experience in Sioux City.
Further enhancing the entertainment options, the property will also include an outdoor event lawn with capacities over 3,000 which would play host to large outdoor concerts, wine walks, BBQ competitions, art shows, and even "movies in the park" amongst many other high-energy options.
Beyond "just" the gaming and entertainment of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City, the property is anticipated to offer guests a multitude of titillating dining, retail, and socialization options stimulating each and every sense.
- World Tour Buffet where guests can peruse their favorite comfort foods as well as dabble in the greatest hits of Italy, Asian, and Latin-America
- A sports-themed Brewery & Grill that will be the hottest-spot in the city to catch the game, enjoy a bite to eat, and partake in a large range of brews
- A casual specialty restaurant where guests can experience an upscale environment at a casual price point
- Fuel Express where patrons can grab their favorite cup of specialty coffee, a homemade pastry, or a scoop of their most-prized ice cream flavor
- An energized outdoor Beer Garden that would become the happy-hour place to be with a variety of brews and specialty cocktails as well as bites
- Center Bar where guests can meet up, select the libation of their choice, and serve as the best of people watching venues
- Retail options including the iconic Hard Rock Store where guest can select from their favorite mementos, preserving their experiences for years to come
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City would further complement the Sioux City's rich entertainment, music, and cultural destinations including the Tyson Event Center and Orpheum Theatre, ultimately creating an entertainment Mecca generating well over 1 million visits to the Downtown District each year. No matter whether you love the thrill of a slot machine or table game, or would rather partake in great food and beverage, or catch a show, there is something for everyone. Locals and tourists alike will not only enter the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City with a smile on their face, but they will certainly leave with a smile just as big, no matter the outcome.
The estimated $100 million development would create over 300 construction jobs and more than 500 operations jobs within the Sioux City community. Pending the award of the IRGC license in April of 2013, construction would begin shortly thereafter with a Grand Opening around September of 2014.
