Hard Rock International has completed its acquisition of the former Trump-owned Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and is now moving forward with the redevelopment of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City.
Working in partnership with New Jersey developers Joe Jingoli and Jack Morris, Hard Rock has already begun staffing the project and has hired two dozen employees to lead the $375 million renovation of the hotel. The company projects the renovation will support roughly 1,000 construction jobs and create about 3,000 permanent positions once the resort reopens.
“From world-renowned music events to innovative dining concepts, we’re excited to bring the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino experience to the Atlantic City boardwalk — which has been home to our Hard Rock Café for more than 20 years,” said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock. “Our commitment to Atlantic City has never been stronger, and we look forward to being a catalyst for further growth and development of the area.”
The renovated property will offer a wide range of entertainment and hospitality options. The casino floor is planned to include approximately 2,400 slot machines and 130 table games, along with a redesigned interior and several upscale food and beverage outlets. The existing Hard Rock Café will be relocated to a central spot within the hotel, expanded to seat up to 400 guests, with improved stage facilities and beach access.
In addition to gaming and dining, the resort will feature two arenas with a combined seating capacity of more than 7,000, designed to host live music, sporting events, conferences and shows. The hotel experience will be modernized with a new check-in process and a reimagined lobby lounge. Guestrooms and suites will be renovated, meeting and event spaces will be reconfigured to serve both large and small groups, and a full-service spa will be added.
The property will also celebrate Atlantic City’s musical heritage. Wall displays will highlight local musicians and artists, and guests can take advantage of Hard Rock’s Sound of Your Stay program, which allows visitors to check out a Fender guitar to play in their room.
The resort’s reopening is scheduled for summer 2018, marking a major addition to Atlantic City’s boardwalk offerings and a significant investment in the region’s hospitality and entertainment landscape.