Hard Rock Casino announces 3rd and final opening weekend concert

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Hard Rock Casino Rockford has announced the third performer who will join Joan Jett and Brad Paisley on the casino’s opening weekend.

Akon will take the stage on Friday, August 30th at the casino’s venue, Hard Rock Live.

The singer became known for his single “Locked Up” in 2004, and collaborations with Snoop Dogg (“I Wanna Love You”) and Eminem (“Smack That”) and Pitbull (“Shut it Down”, “Te Quiero Amar”).

Tickets will be available here .

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will perform on Saturday, August 31st at 7 p.m.

Brad Paisley will perform on Sunday, September 1st at 7 p.m.

The casino features a 2,000-seat Hard Rock Live venue for concerts and performances. The casino said it intended to have a “star-studded Guitar Smash” to accompany the grand opening celebration.

In the weeks to follow, Hard Rock has announced future shows such as Gipsy Kings (November 1st) and The Black Crowes (January 18th)

The permanent casino is being built on the site of the former Clock Tower Resort, at 7801 E. State Street at the I-90 exit ramp.

The Rockford City Council voted in favor of the plan from Hard Rock International in October 2019, after considering proposals from the downtown Rock River West Casino Group and Forest City Casino.

The casino will also have three restaurants, a concert venue and a music lounge, featuring 1,300 slot machines, 50 live table games including a poker room, a state-of-the-art sportsbook, six unique restaurants, and a Rock Shop offering authentic Hard Rock merchandise and more.

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