Hard Rock Casino Opens in Greater Vancouver Area

Last weekend Canada’s first official Hard Rock Casino opened its doors to 80,000 square feet of re-modelled casino flooring. As with all Hard Rock properties, there is a strong musical theme starting with the giant iconic guitar sign outside the venue.

The Hard Rock Casino memorabilia curator, Warwick Stone, said, “You’re supposed to get that hit when you come in. Our foundation, roots are in rock n’ roll right from the beginning.”

Amongst the memorabilia on display is clothing from stage and music videos as well as personal belongings and signed photos from Jimi Hendrix, Madonna and Bruce Springsteen. A number of the displays are permanent but about half of the collection will change at least every two years.

The casino, formerly known as the Boulevard Casino, features over 950 slot machines and table games such as roulette and blackjack. According to Executive Director Raj Mutti the whole casino was redesigned in order to increase the square footage.

The theater at the casino will replace The Red Robinson Show Theater which was named after the local radio and TV personality. There will be a permanent display dedicated to Robinson located in the theater. Mutti said that, “One of the big things we’re focusing on is a new form of entertainment, and a lot new acts that we haven’t had before.”