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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa launched Canada’s first Hard Rock resort with a grand opening ceremony. Jim Allen, Hard Rock International CEO, attended the celebration.
Christine Crump serves as president of the Ottawa property. She praised the “local and global team members who have collaborated on this remarkable venue.”
The ceremony drew Seminole Tribe of Florida leaders and Hard Rock International executives. Jeff Hook, the company’s COO, and Executive Operations Advisor Jon Lucas attended.
City of Ottawa officials joined the celebration. Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, spoke at the event.
Michael Andlauer from the Ottawa Senators ownership group also attended. The ceremony included various local and international dignitaries.
Canada gained its first fully integrated Hard Rock hotel and casino venue. Allen called bringing Hard Rock to Canada’s capital “an iconic milestone for our brand.”
The property expands Hard Rock’s global footprint into new territory. The company can now serve Canadian markets directly.
Cho stressed the economic impact for Ontario. He said the venue “will draw visitors from near and far to Ottawa.”
The opening creates hundreds of local jobs, according to officials. The property also provides funding for local infrastructure and community programs.
The property cost $350 million to build and contains over 150,000 square feet of entertainment and hospitality space. Construction created a comprehensive resort destination.
The grand opening featured a signature guitar smash and musical performances. These elements marked the official launch celebration.
Hard Rock donated $100,000 to the Ottawa Food Bank during the ceremony. This donation reinforced the company’s commitment to local communities.
The celebration continues through July 5. Recording artist Avril Lavigne will cap off the ceremony with a musical performance.
Allen described the venue as a place “where locals and visitors can experience world-class gaming, hospitality and entertainment all in one place.”
The resort creates a new entertainment destination in Canada’s capital. Crump said they “built a destination that will attract guests from inside and outside our borders.”
The property aims to drive the local economy through tourism. Officials expect visitors from multiple regions to visit the new resort.
Hard Rock can now compete directly in Canadian markets. The company previously operated in many countries but not Canada.
The opening establishes a precedent for international casino brands entering Canada. Other operators may follow Hard Rock’s expansion strategy.
The venue positions Ottawa as a major entertainment destination. The resort adds significant hospitality capacity to the capital region.
In June 2025, Hard Rock Bet entered a content deal with AGS in New Jersey, releasing a new exclusive slot title, Hard Rock Cash Lock, for players in New Jersey.
