The Rock Hall now has exactly 10 million reasons to celebrate this year. And the name of the 10 millionth reason is Ross Walker, 27, from New York City.

Walker was treated to a dizzying celebration Thursday morning that included a colorful balloon storm, a big honking cake, and a collection of music-related prizes worth something in the vicinity of $4,000.

"I've been thinking about coming here for a long time" -- since he was 11, Walker said. "I'm glad to be a common visitor and the 10 millionth one."

Walker took an overnight bus to Northeast Ohio, to visit both the Rock Hall and the University of Akron, where Walker says he's thinking of enrolling and majoring in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

And now he has a good reason to return soon, as the Rock Hall swag bag handed out to Walker included:

* Two tickets to the sold-out Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2015 Induction Ceremony at Public Hall on April 18.

* A Headliner Membership to the Rock Hall.

* A limited edition Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Guitar.

* A pair of Klipsch Status Headphones.

* A Sirius XM Onyx Satellite Radio with home kit and a one year free subscription to the satellite radio network.

* A Rock Hall Vault Tour (a special behind-the-scenes look at the Museum's Collections Artifacts Vault).

"My room at home is like a shrine to Jimi Hendrix," said the amateur guitarist.

Michael Sim, the Rock Hall's director of visitor services, manned the official clicker on Thursday that made Walker the 10 millionth visitor since the hall opened in September of 1995.

Greg Harris, CEO and president of the Rock Hall, said the milestone came a bit sooner than anticipated a few months ago.

"We thought this milestone would take place later in the Spring but we had a great January," Harris said.

In a news release prepared for the celebration, Harris had noted, "The passion of rock and roll fans, our community's commitment to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and support from visitors, donors and partners make this happen. In 20 years, these 10 million visitors have provided over $2 billion in economic impact to this region. We share this milestone with our supporters and music fans everywhere."

Almost 90 percent of Rock Hall visitors are from outside the Cleveland area, and 10 percent of those are international. According to the Hall, tourists from more than 100 countries have visited.