The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is finally opening its doors on Thursday, July 3, at 1 p.m. in Ottawa South.
You know how some projects just seem to take forever to get off the ground? Well, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is a prime example. After years of anticipation and a few bumps in the road—including the global pandemic that truly put a pause on everything—the $350 million entertainment hub began its actual construction in June 2023.
Now, this casino grand opening is set to make for a truly busy week for the nation’s capital, coming just days after Canada Day.
Christine Crump, president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, said:
“Hard Rock knows how to throw a grand opening party! July 3 will mark the beginning of festivities, infused with legendary Hard Rock energy and an Oh! Canada! feel, this is more than a launch—it’s the start of something incredible for our city, our capital!”
*Source: Official press release from Hard Rock International
What to expect from the facility?
The new property, located in the National Capital Region, will redefine local hospitality and entertainment, drawing visitors from all over the country and beyond.
According to a statement from Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, this is a big deal for the company’s global expansion plans.
“Ottawa is a milestone moment for us. It’s our first fully integrated resort in Canada and a key step in our global growth strategy. This property will not only attract international visitors but also support the local economy and enhance the region’s entertainment offerings.”
Some of the key features guests can expect at the facility include:
- Full-service hotel
- 150 guest rooms
- 22 luxury suites
- Over 150,000 square feet for entertainment and gaming
- 1,500 slot machines
- Up to 40 table games
- Hard Rock Live entertainment venue
This entertainment venue is built to host all sorts of live shows, from music concerts to plays and cultural gatherings.
To kick things off during the grand opening week, they’re bringing in a bunch of Canadian artists to showcase our country’s talent and culture. We’ll hear more about those booked to perform closer to the opening day.
That’s not all, as guests will also have 10 restaurants and bars to choose from, like the Hard Rock Cafe and the award-winning Council Oak Steaks & Seafood. Plus, there’s a Rock Shop/Unity Store where you can buy Hard Rock merchandise, even with your Unity loyalty points.
Casino expected to improve local revenue
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is rooted back to 2017, when the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation first chose Hard Rock International to take over the casino at Rideau Carleton Raceway.
The dream? To build something far more than just a casino but something that would redefine leisure in the capital.
And it’s not just about flashy lights and gaming tables; this new facility is a win for the local economy. Hard Rock International isn’t just building a casino; they’re building a future for many, projecting the creation of 700 direct local jobs.
As Crump said, the economic ripple effect goes even deeper, impacting not just the new hires and existing staff, but also the hundreds of skilled tradespeople who’ve been working to bring this grand structure to life.
So, while construction on the brand-new Hard Rock building is nearing its grand reveal, the existing Rideau Carleton Casino won’t be shutting down entirely.
In fact, once the doors open on the new facility, they’ll turn their attention to renovating the original building. The main goal is to have both sites integrated and fully operational by the end of 2025.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation President and CEO Duncan Hannay said,
“At OLG, we are proud of the partnership that we have with Hard Rock International and the City of Ottawa. We have been working closely with them to unveil this premier destination, including a newly designed, full-service PlaySmart Center. The economic benefits resulting from this expansion will help drive the local economy and will undoubtedly become a tourist hot spot.”
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