The Hard Rock International recently announced that they have submitted an application, along with a $400,000 non-refundable fee, to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The application is for development of HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO NEW ENGLAND which is currently planned to be located on the campus of Eastern States Exposition (ESE) which is in West Springfield, Mass. The resort would be situated on 38-acre area which is on ESE’s eastern parcel. It is hoped that the new resort would serve as a major attraction for the already popular destination.
The new resort and casino is said to be designed in such a way that it is unique within the region. It will concentrate on providing visitors to it a world-class experience in entertainment and is planning to use a combination of non-gaming as well as gaming amenities. This will include a first-class hotel which is said to be between 400 and 500 rooms. It will also feature a Rock Spa as well as a tropical pool deck and some estimated 200,000 square feet casino containing some 125 table games as well as 2,500 to 3,000 slots. It will also house a Hard Rock Cafe, where visitors can find live music.
ESE and Hard Rock are said to share a vision of philanthropy within the region and the local community. The agreement allows Hard Rock to make substantial capital improvements on the campus of ESE which should result in ensuring the ESE facility improves its business operations as well as its economic impact locally.
ESE is a non-profit organization. It has already contributed millions of dollars toward many New England organizations. It was also reported that the Big E Fair is to continue each September, and that the Hard Rock will provide both support and assistance for marketing and live events.
Already discussions have begun between Hard Rock and West Springfield concerning a variety of issues such as traffic, economic development, and parking. To help get through these issues, Hard Rock is working with engineering consultants Tighe & Bond.
The new entity is planning to bring in visitors from beyond Massachusetts and it is hoped that its presence will bring about a major increase to the town of West Springfield, as well as the state at large. It is estimated that the new project will create thousands of permanent jobs and construction jobs. It has been suggested that the overall revenue through taxes would be in the hundreds of millions.
Hard Rock International has been active in gaining properties all over the world and has a reputation for being one of the best when it comes to making deals. The latest venture of is the Hard Rock Northfield Park. This site in Ohio just broke ground. To date, Hard Rock International has 177 venues located in some 58 countries, and this includes 141 cafes, 8 casinos, and 18 hotels. It also is the owner of a great collection of music memorabilia, most of which is kept on display at various locations.