Operator News
US – Hard Rock boss promises return to Las Vegas
By Phil - 16 June 2020
Hard Rock International Chairman and CEO of Seminole Gaming Jim Allen has vowed that his company will bring ‘the exciting Hard Rock atmosphere back to Las Vegas.
Just as the city’s famed “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” neon sign says “Drive Carefully – Come Back Soon,” two of five 53′ semi-trucks were photographed leaving Las Vegas loaded with some of the iconic brand’s most prized, authentic music memorabilia that adorned the walls of the now-closed Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. These included Elvis Presley’s Key to the City of Las Vegas, Britney Spears’ iconic schoolgirl outfit from her “…Baby One More Time” video and Jimi Hendrix’s jacket worn on the day of his death.
Mr. Allen said: “We are transporting some of the most valuable pieces of memorabilia in our collection. While the doors to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas remain closed for now, we look forward to bringing the exciting Hard Rock atmosphere back to Las Vegas, which will always be one of the most iconic entertainment markets in the world.”
In May, Hard Rock International announced that the world-renowned entertainment and hospitality brand purchased all rights to the Hard Rock brand and related trademarks in Las Vegas from Houston-based private equity firm, Juniper Capital, which purchased the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas in 2018 from Brookfield Asset Management. The purchase gives Hard Rock International the right to develop a Hard Rock branded casino and resort within Clark County.
The transaction also allows HRI exclusive full rights to memorabilia, signage and merchandise, along with intellectual property rights for affiliated restaurant and entertainment trademarks and website domain names.
The off-strip Hard Rock casino closed in Las Vegas in February to undergo renovations and reopen as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas in Autumn.
