HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA REVEALS ICONIC GUITAR MARQUEE SIGN AND UNCRATES FIRST PIECE OF MUSIC MEMORABILIA

Gary, IN (April 8, 2021) – Today the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana revealed the iconic guitar marquee sign and uncrated the first piece of music memorabilia at the new property.

Matt Schuffert, President of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, showed off the giant sign that will greet visitors to the property. Schuffert thanked the construction team of TN Ward Construction, Hagerman Construction and Powers Construction who transformed the bricks and mortar into the 200,000 square-foot entertainment complex that now stands just south of I-80 at the Burr Street exit.

Measuring 37 ft tall by 15 ft 7.5 inches wide, the oversized guitar was designed to replicate Joe Jackson’s original guitar from 1965. Joe Jackson is the father and founder of the Jackson 5, the musical group that went from humble beginnings, right here in the region, to become international superstars.  The Jackson family is one of the most incredible success stories in the history of music. The family holds a special place in the hearts of area residents and their childhood home is a popular attraction for Jackson fans who come from all over the world.

Image:Today the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana revealed the iconic guitar marquee sign and uncrated the first piece of music memorabilia at the new property.

Schuffert introduced Giovanni Taliaferro, Director of Memorabilia Design for Hard Rock International. Taliaferro told the incredible story of Joe Jackson’s guitar and why it is such an important piece of music history. Taliaferro then removed Joe’s original guitar from a guitar case and gave the construction team the first glimpse of the special piece of memorabilia. The guitar will be one of many pieces of music memorabilia to be on display inside the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. Taliaferro placed the guitar on a stand in front of the giant guitar monument sign that was created in its likeness.

Image:Measuring 37 ft tall by 15 ft 7.5 inches wide, the oversized guitar was designed to replicate Joe Jackson’s original guitar from 1965.

A Guitar that Changed the World

In 1964, at ten years of age, Tito Jackson was caught playing his father, Joseph Jackson’s, 1961 Supro Airline Town & Country guitar after Joseph noticed a broken string. Joseph, a musician in a band called the Falcons, had strict rules that no one was to touch his guitar for those gigs supplemented his income with his main job at the steel factory in Gary.

Once Joseph fixed the string, he requested that Tito play for him. Brothers Jackie and Jermaine joined him by singing. Once finished, Joseph was so impressed that he convinced them to form a singing group with Michael on congas and Marlon on tambourine. He then immediately bought Tito his own guitar.

Later that year, after a performance at a school talent show, Michael started sharing the lead vocals with Jermaine and the Jackson 5 were born.

All thanks in part to a broken string, the world has been blessed with the Jackson family, the Royal Family of Music.

Image: Giovanni Taliaferro, Director of Memorabilia Design for Hard Rock International, told the incredible story of Joe Jackson’s guitar and why it is such an important piece of music history.

The new Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is located at 5400 West 29th Ave., in Gary, IN, directly adjacent to the I-80/94 Burr Street Interchange. The brand-new 200,000 square-foot Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana will officially open to the public on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 6 p.m.

About Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana

Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s $300 Million casino and entertainment destination will open in Spring of 2021.  Hard Rock’s premier 200,000-square foot entertainment complex will feature over 1600 slots and 80 table games totaling more than 2,100 gaming positions.  It will have five food venues including Hard Rock Café, Council Oak Steaks and Seafood, YouYu Noodle Bar, Fresh Harvest Buffet and a Constant Grind Coffee Shop.  It will also feature an on-site sportsbook, a retail shop, and a 1,954-seat Hard Rock Live performance venue.  Phase 2 of the project will see the addition of a 200-room hotel and a multi-level parking garage.  Conveniently located adjacent to the 80/94 Burr Street Interchange, with approximately 190,000 cars driving past daily, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is the only casino with direct freeway access in the Northwest Indiana market. Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is forecasting more than $20 million annually in tax revenue and payments. 

Image: Matt Schuffert, President of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, showed off the giant sign that will greet visitors to the property and thanked the construction team.

About Hard Rock International (HRI)

Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in 69 countries spanning 240 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes.  HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020; an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform.  Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar.  Hard Rock owns the world’s most valuable collection of music memorabilia at more than 86,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe.  In 2020, Hard Rock International was honored as one of Forbes Magazine’s Best Employers for Diversity.  In 2019 and 2020, Hard Rock was named Forbes magazine’s Top Employers for Women.  Hard Rock destinations are located in international gateway cities, including its two most successful flagship properties in Florida and home to the world’s first Guitar Hotel® in South Florida, Global Gaming’s 2020 Property of the Year.  The Brand is owned by HRI parent entity The Seminole Tribe of Florida.  For more information on Hard Rock International visit http://www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.