Business & Tech
Seminole Hard Rock Expansion Begins
The Seminole Hard Rock project includes additional parking, new gaming areas and a restaurant, among other features.
TAMPA, FL – Visitors to Tampa’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will soon notice a buzz of construction activity, but the work shouldn’t get in the way of anyone’s fun.
John Fontana, the Hard Rock’s president, announced the kickoff of the 5223 Orient Road’s third major expansion project Wednesday. The project, which should be complete sometime next year, includes a number of new features, including a restaurant and a new, expanded porte-cochere.
“This expansion project will create over 100 new permanent jobs at the casino and keep hundreds of Tampa Bay area construction workers busy for the next year,” Fontana said in a statement. “These new additions to the property will clearly enhance the guest experience and attract more tourists from around the country.”
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Beyond the parking and entrance updates, the project also includes a few features gamers may find of interest. A new 30,000-square-foot premium gaming area is being added along with a new 50-table poker room, the casino announced.
The construction project is the third major expansion at the Tampa casino. Officials aren’t saying how much the project will cost, but do promise work will take place in protected areas away from guests.
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“Normal operations will not be affected,” spokesman Gary Bitner told Patch.
An exact completion date has not yet been announced. Officials also haven't tipped their hats on which restaurant will take up residence in the expansion. They've only promised it will be "upscale."
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is considered the world’s sixth largest. The property is owned and operated by Florida’s Seminole Tribe and currently features high stakes table games, thousands of slot machines and other attractions. The casino also recently added a new smoke-free slots area featuring about 250 different games.
For more information, visit the Hard Rock online.
Photo courtesy of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
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