Hard Rock Casino’s replica Cheap Trick guitar lit for the first time in pre-dawn ceremony

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rick Nielsen attended the official lighting of the replica Cheap Trick guitar monument that adorns the entryway to the new Hard Rock Casino Rockford on Thursday morning.

Nielsen’s iconic, checkerboard Hamer Standard guitar will welcome visitors to the new casino, which opens Thursday, August 29th.

The 62-foot guitar monument was created in Baltimore and shipped to the casino on several large flatbed trucks and assembled last week.

The new casino, at 7801 E. State Street, on the site of the former Clock Tower Resort, will feature nearly 1,300 slot machines, 50 live table games including poker, a sportsbook, multiple food and beverage offerings, shopping, and the Hard Rock Live entertainment venue.

Several concerts are scheduled to celebrate the opening weekend, including The Nielsen Trust, Akon, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Brad Paisley.

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