Hard Rock unveils us$ 800 million casino proposal for Massachusetts

“You have this incredible 175-acre facility with this legendary success. We believe adding our brand, with its 40 years of success in 58 countries, is a partnership made in heaven,” Hard Rock chairman Jim Allen told the Herald. “It will truly be the leading tourist destination in New England.”

The casino would be located on a 38-acre parcel on the eastern portion of the ESE’s fairgrounds, which hosts the 17-day Big E event - dubbed “New England’s Great State Fair” - each September that draws 1.3 million visitors.

Allen said the complex would include a Hard Rock Cafe, filled with iconic rock-and-roll memorabilia, a music venue and a large retail galleria. The deadline for submitting casino bids is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Hard Rock, which operates 177 properties worldwide, including 141 cafes, 18 hotels and 8 casinos, will so far be competing against two other bidders to build a casino in the western part of the state - MGM and Penn National Gaming have already submitted applications for casino resorts in Springfield.

Mohegan Sun has expressed interest in building a casino in Palmer. “For nearly 100 years, our special property along Memorial Avenue has offered entertainment to millions, business and employment opportunities to thousands and a wonderful experience for all of New England,” ESE CEO Eugene Cassidy said in a statement. “The new evolution of entertainment with Hard Rock will help drive new energy and multiply the economic impact of our organization on our regional community for the next generation and beyond.”