Don't Edit

Hard Rock casino officially opens today at former Trump Taj Mahal

By Alexis Johnson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

More than a year after Hard Rock pumped some serious juice into Atlantic City's stagnant casino market, the amped-up revival of the former Trump Taj Mahal made its official debut on Thursday with the expected glitz, glamor and guitar smashing.

"This could have been my craziest idea, because no doubt it was a challenge," Hard Rock International Chairman and CEO Jim Allen said Thursday during the opening ceremonies. "I'm not sure how we got it done."

Don't Edit

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City celebrates its grand opening, Thursday, June 28, 2018.

Tim Hawk | For NJ.com

Don't Edit

Hard Rock Atlantic City Grand Opening Live Opening Day kicks off at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City! 🎸🎰 Posted by NJ.com on Thursday, June 28, 2018

Don't Edit

Tim Hawk | for NJ.com

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino threw a surprise opening and welcomed gamblers on Wednesday night, but the official festivities to mark the completion of the $500 million investment were reserved for Thursday.

Allen explained that trial nights were required as part of the final casino gaming permissions. They had a few hundred customers Monday, several thousand Tuesday and once the doors were open Wednesday, they just decided to keep rolling, he said.

"I was very proud the moment those doors opened," Allen said. "I think this was a big milestone in our company's history to break into the strict New Jersey market."

For Atlantic City, it marks a potential turning point after a prolonged gaming slump led to casino closures that left glaring vacancies along the boardwalk and put thousands out of work.

"When Hard Rock first mentioned they were coming to the town we realized that they were one of the leaders in gaming so that automatically gave a boost to the city," Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam said during the grand opening ceremony.

Don't Edit

Tim Hawk | For NJ.com

Don't Edit

The debut of the Hard Rock marks a historic day in the four decades since Atlantic City's first casino opened in 1978 as it coincides with the official re-opening of the nearby Ocean Resort Casino at the site of the former Revel.

Not to be outdone, Ocean Resort also threw open its doors Wednesday night ahead of its planned grand opening. It's official grand opening ceremonies are scheduled for 1 p.m.

Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, said the path Thursday's grand openings came after a tumultuous time for Atlantic City, including a state takeover of its government.

"Atlantic City had some really dark days," Sweeney said. "We made some really, really tough decision on Atlantic City over the last few years, none that were popular but they all are proven that they worked."

Hard Rock's entry into the city brings a new vibe, Sweeney said.

"There's actually a feel walking up here, isn't there?" Sweeney said. "That's what these guys brought to the city with this casino. We're back guys."

Don't Edit

Tim Hawk | For NJ.com

The opening ceremony kicked off in true entertainment fashion with music, dancers and aerial acrobatics, followed by comments from Hard Rock executives.

The guitar-smash countdown was led by legendary drummer and member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band Max Weinberg, with some help from the Hard Rock team and actor Michael B. Jordan.

Don't Edit

Tim Hawk | For NJ.com

Max Weinberg, Bruce Springsteen's drummer, acknowledges the crowd inside Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena during Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City's grand opening, Thursday, June 28, 2018.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Ocean Resort Casino grand opening rides wave of Atlantic City optimism

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

While Ocean Resort largely needed a dusting off from its former Revel days - the massive facility cost $2.4 billion to build and lasted just two years before closing - Hard Rock underwent a transformation to remove the domes and minarets that defined the former Taj image.

In its place, the iconic giant Hard Rock electric guitar now welcomes visitors to the boardwalk casino.

Don't Edit

Lori M. Nichols | For NJ.com

Don't Edit

Tim Hawk | for NJ.com

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

The Hard Rock's hotel is completely booked for the debut weekend. The hotel includes nearly 2,000 rooms and suites that offer amenities like turntables and records, special playlists and the option to get a Fender delivered to your room.

Hard Rock intends to offer live music every day and has booked a lengthy list of headliners for its Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, its 7,000-seat arena.

Don't Edit

Tim Hawk | For NJ.com

CEO Jim Allen dedicated a platinum guitar to Scott Etess, the son of Mark Etess whom the Etess Arena is named after.

The 7,000 seat venue is now known as Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, as the owners promised to retain the Etess name.

“If you seen the arena 10 years ago and see it today obviously we’ve made major commitment to it," Allen said.

Don't Edit

The opening weekend features Carrie Underwood on Friday night and Pitbull on Saturday.

Don't Edit

Tim Hawk | for NJ.com

Don't Edit

But those who won't be at the big show can also check out Hard Rock's Daer Nightclub set to feature Tiesto on Friday and Ludacris Saturday, with actor Michael B. Jordan as the host.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Tim Hawk | for NJ.com

Don't Edit

Tim Hawk | for NJ.com

Patrons check out the casino floor on Thursday, June 28, 2018.

Don't Edit

For gamblers, Hard Rock has a nearly 120,000-square-foot gaming floor with 2,144 new slot machines and 120 new table games.

Adjoining the casino floor is the famous Hard Rock Café, one of the 20 dining options with added beach access and 16 bar top slot machines.

The property plans to show fireworks at 9 p.m. Thursday evening.

Don't Edit

Tim Hawk | for NJ.com

Don't Edit

The dining options at Hard Rock include (note: descriptions provided by Hard Rock):

Hard Rock Cafe – Featuring two stages and direct beach access for guest. Offering burgers with Rock 'n Roll music and rare memorabilia.

Council Oak Fish – Guests can dine on locally sourced fare with the chef's daily catch, or opt for the à la carte menu, which highlights a local raw bar, wood fired kitchen, shellfish pots and dry-aged prime cuts.

Kuro – This new style Japanese restaurant features contemporary dishes using locally sourced and imported ingredients directly from Japan. The restaurant serves Japanese imported and local craft beers, Japanese whiskeys, Shochu, 30 sake brands and 110 wine labels.

Sòng – For those seeking a high-energy dining experience, with a modern Hong Kong-inspired aesthetic, Sòng serves up communal size dishes from all regions of China.

YOUYU Noodle Bar – Focusing on freshly made noodles and savory broths, YOUYU's fresh casual dining is directly inspired by Asian street food.

Sugar Factory – Making its debut in Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City with its floor to-ceiling candy wall, this eatery is a place for families. The restaurant also offers specialty beverages and homemade doughnuts and pastries, in addition to signature items such as crepes, salads, monster burgers and specialty pizzas. Desserts will top the menu with the King Kong Sundae, serving up to 12 people with 24 scoops of ice cream, along with Sugar Factory's signature 64 oz. alcohol-infused smoking candy goblets.

Fresh Harvest Buffet – The Fresh Harvest Buffet brings guests live-action cooking and carving stations, brick oven pizzas, dim sum, delicious desserts and everything in between.

Il Mulino – Directly from Greenwich Village in New York City, the rustic Old World Italian eatery offers small batch cooking and seasonally inspired menus.

Robert's Steakhouse – Developed by Robert "Bob" Gans in 2012, the famed Atlantic City steakhouse is making its big return at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, offering guests upscale dining in a luxurious setting.

Constant Grind Coffee Bar – Located in the Rock Spa, Juice Bar offers healthy menu options such as cold-pressed juice, acai bowls, and smoothies.

Legends Lounge – Player's lounge for the highest-level VIP card members, offering curated dining, with gourmet buffet-style service in an ultra-chic lounge atmosphere.

Plum Lounge – The most exclusive, invite-only lounge features premium spirits and small plates in an intimate setting.

The Lobby Bar – A 24-hour lounge featuring DJs, live music and remixed versions of favorite classic cocktails.

Beach Bar – Tropical beachside bar.

Pool Bar – Walk-up pool bar.

White House Sub Shop – This iconic Jersey Shore spot serves some of the best hoagies in or outside of Philadelphia. Thanks to a heavy hand with cold cuts and a signature hot pepper relish, the retro orange-and-white sandwich specialist is packed with locals and tourists from open until close.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Tim Hawk | for NJ.com

Elvis Presley's personalized Rolls Royce is among the rock memorabilia on display.

Don't Edit

MORE COVERAGE:

Hard Rock opening

Ocean Resort opening

Don't Edit

Alexis Johnson may be reached at ajohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @alexisjreports. Find nj.com on Facebook.