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Anything But Conventional

A world-class convention & hotel experience only Hard Rock can deliver!

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Hard Rock + Gary =
A Win for Lake County

Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana – a premier entertainment destination that has drawn more than 8 million visitors in less than four years – is ready to deliver a state-of-the-art convention center and world-class hotel to Lake County.

The City of Gary has formed an alliance with Hard Rock and AECOM to develop, construct and operate the new Lake County Convention Center.

Not Just An Event Space - An Economic Engine for Gary & the Region

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This is a game-changing development that will contribute to the revitalization of Gary and benefit the region. Our proposed 145,000-square-foot convention center and vibrant Hard Rock Hotel, with an estimated 300 rooms, will bring world-class events and entertainment to Lake County, Indiana, and fill a long-standing void for premier venue space in the region.

By capitalizing on the draw of Northwest Indiana’s leading tourist attraction, this project will further boost tourism, create jobs, generate opportunities for local vendors and contribute to long-term economic growth.

Local Hiring Pledge
Commitment to hiring Gary residents & local workers, including from unions and trades, as well as minority, women, veteran, and Indiana-owned businesses

1

Ideal Location & Infrastructure in Place
Positioned along I-80 between
I-294 and I-65, near South Shore Line, regional commuter transit, near Gary airport, direct connectivity to Chicago and 30 minutes from Midway airport

2

Sustainable Design

Environmental footprint will be reduced with a green roof, solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems and more

3

Expertise in Securing Top Events & Restaurants
Hard Rock is a powerhouse in attracting some of the nation’s most prestigious conferences, trade shows, culinary and entertainment offerings

4

Catalyst for Future Development
Two additional hotels – including a REVERB by Hard Rock that will be co-developed and managed by Hard Rock – two restaurants, retail and more are planned

5

Proven Commitment to Northern Indiana
Nearly $6 million donated by Hard Rock, including contributions to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana and Gary Community School Corporation

6

No New Taxpayer Dollars
Funded entirely through gaming taxes, state matching funds, $30 million over 20 years from Hard Rock, and no proposed increase in innkeeper’s tax

7

Family & Outdoor Events

Event space for weddings and graduations, outdoor events such as live music, food festivals, movie nights and more

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The Hard Rock Advantage

Convention Centers in
Atlantic City
Hollywood, FL
Las Vegas
Punta Cana

Venues in 74 Countries

More than 300 Locations

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A Best-in-Class Operator

Hard Rock brings unmatched expertise in entertainment, hospitality and venue management. Honors include J.D. Power’s number one brand in Outstanding Guest Satisfaction for five consecutive years, Forbes’ World’s Best Employers, and U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal.

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An Industry Leader in Convention Management​​

Hard Rock manages successful convention spaces all over the country, with a proven track record in hosting some of the nation’s most prestigious conferences. Its global network of event organizers will help attract high-profile conferences to Lake County, driving tourism and economic impact.
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A Built-In Marketing Powerhouse​

Hard Rock already invests millions annually to promote Northwest Indiana, Lake County and its casino. This marketing engine will instantly provide national exposure, boosting the convention center’s visibility and solidifying Lake County as a premier destination for conventions, trade shows and entertainment.

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“ This convention center represents more than just a building; it is a transformative vision for our community. Our goal is to create a landmark that serves as a catalyst for economic development but also reflects the unique heritage and aspirations of the people of Gary and Lake County. ”
Eddie MeltonMayor of Gary
Eddie Melton
“ Hard Rock’s proven track record in hospitality and entertainment complements the City’s vision of revitalization, creating a partnership that brings both experience and a shared commitment to regional prosperity. ”
Dr. Vernon G. SmithState Representative House District 14
Dr. Vernon G. Smith
"The selection of the City of Gary as the site for this convention center is not only a prudent economic decision but also a necessary investment in the future growth and sustainability of Lake County as a whole. Gary’s strategic geographic location, infrastructure capacity, and established partnership with Hard Rock Northern Indiana present the most viable path to ensuring the success of this development."
Mark SpencerIndiana State Senator District 3
“The Hard Rock Corporation International is ideally suited as a corporate partner because they have an excellent model in the hospitality industry across the country. They are very supportive in contracting local trades and small and minority-owned businesses for services, which is a major plus for Northwest Indiana.”
David CastellanosPresident, 1st American Construction & Development, Inc.
David Castellanos
“We believe that the City [of Gary] is the best home for a Lake County Convention Center to benefit the entire region. It is our position that the Hard Rock, which was all union built, presents the best opportunity for Lake County to become home to a well-run convention center that will bring about opportunities for all surrounding municipalities, Lake County businesses, residents, and organizations like ours.”
AFL-CIONorthwestern Indiana Building & Construction Trades Council
AFL-CIO
“With the support of the Central Midwest Carpenters, we are confident this project will generate many more career opportunities, providing stability and growth for our members, their families, and friends throughout Lake County.”
Travis WilliamsRepresentative, Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters
Travis Williams
"We are delighted for the partnership of the City of Gary and Hard Rock Northern Indiana to provide funding for our students to attend the college of their choice to further their education. Our Board of Directors look forward to hosting many events at the future Lake County Convention Center."
Chareice WhiteFounder & Chairwoman of the Board, ECIER Foundation
"The convention center provides an excellent venue for hosting health-related events, workshops, and educational conferences that can promote wellness and healthy living among our residents. We envision opportunities for collaboration with the casino and convention center to engage the community in health outreach programs and health fairs, ultimately improving access to vital health resources."
Danita Johnson Woods President & CEO, Edgewater Health
"The Gary Chamber of Commerce supports the [Gary-Hard Rock] Proposal, as we believe that the City [of Gary] is the best home for a Lake County Convention Center to benefit the entire region."
Charles “Chuck” HughesPresident / CEO, Gary Chamber of Commerce
"Humane Indiana has long been a supporter of Gary, Indiana, residents regarding the well-being of companion pets and their owners. Being able to utilize this convention center for our own events will allow Humane Indiana to continue this important work."
Brian Fitzpatrick CEO, Humane Indiana
“The success of Hard Rock since it opened its doors just over three years ago is a testament to the potential the [City of Gary/Hard Rock] proposal presents.”
Jack C. LieserPresident, Metropolitan Builders of America, Inc.
Jack C. Lieser
"We strongly believe that Gary is the ideal home for this convention center. The city's rich history, strategic location, and deep-rooted cultural assets make it a natural choice for a facility of this caliber. The partnership between the City of Gary and Hard Rock ensures a well-managed, world-class convention center that will create meaningful opportunities for local businesses, residents, and organizations like ours."
Mark Spencer, M.Ed.Director, West Side Theatre Guild
“It is our position that the strong partnership between City of Gary and Hard Rock presents the best opportunity for Lake County to become home to a well-run convention center that will bring about opportunities for the surrounding municipalities, Lake County businesses, resident and community organizations.”
Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloudPresident and CEO, Urban League of Northwest Indiana, Inc.
Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud

Supporters

Eddie Melton
Mayor of Gary

Mark Spencer
State Senator District 3

AFL-CIO
Northwestern Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council

ECIER Foundation

Gary NAACP

Humane Indiana

Metropolitan Builders of America, Inc.

Dr. Vernon G. Smith
State Representative House District 14

1st American Construction & Development, Inc.

Central Midwest Regional Council of Engineers

Edgewater Health

Gary Chamber of Commerce

Gary Common Council

Urban League of Northwest Indiana, Inc.

West Side Theatre Guild

Support Us

Take a minute to let us know why you support our proposal!

Strong Alliance

Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, the City of Gary, AECOM and AECOM Hunt have formed an alliance to develop, construct, and operate the new Lake County Convention Center.  

Indiana & MWBE Commitment

Our project team includes 65% Indiana businesses and we are committed to exceeding the 15% MBE and 5% WBE goals. 

In the News

September 20, 2024
Gary partnering with Hard Rock Casino on convention center bid

October 17, 2024
Gary, Hard Rock Casino partner on bid for convention center

November 6, 2024
Gary, Hobart vie to be the home of future convention center

Learn More

Lake County Board of Commissioners Presentations

October 16, 2024

November 6, 2024

We want to hear from you.

Fill out the Support Us form or send an email to info@lakecountyconventioncenter.com

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