Hard Rock International unveils Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Athens

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Hard Rock and GEK TERNA break ground on a landmark resort and casino in Athens Riviera, set to revolutionize Greece tourism and economy.

In a significant development for Athens, Hard Rock International, in collaboration with GEK TERNA Group, has initiated the construction of a state-of-the-art resort and casino in the Athens Riviera. This landmark event was marked by a symbolic shovel ceremony at the historic Hellinikon Airport, followed by a formal event at the Hellinikon Experience Center. Attendees included top executives from Hard Rock International and GEK TERNA Group, alongside prominent Greek government figures, esteemed political representatives, and influential local community leaders.

Jim Allen, the Chairman of Hard Rock International, joined forces with Greek political figures and principal members from GEK TERNA, as well as local leaders, to ceremoniously commence the building of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens, slated to open its doors in 2027.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens is set to become the first integrated resort of its kind in continental Europe, poised to significantly boost Athens’ entertainment and tourism sectors. Anticipated to launch in 2027, this distinctive resort will merge a luxurious hotel with a top-tier casino, leading meeting and convention facilities, a cutting-edge entertainment venue, globally acclaimed dining experiences, the indulgent Rock Spa® and Pool Complex, and an exclusive retail promenade.

With a budget of €1.5 billion, this avant-garde construction project is expected to create 3,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent positions, catalyzing both the local Athenian economy and the wider Greek economy.

Jim Allen, Hard Rock International’s Chairman, expressed his excitement about this significant venture, acknowledging the support from political leaders, GEK TERNA, and the Athens community in realizing this ambitious project.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens will feature a dynamic casino with 180 tables and 1,500 gaming machines, a hotel tower housing 1,100 rooms, and 15 dining venues. Furthermore, the project will include a 3,000-seat Hard Rock Live theater, capable of accommodating an additional 4,000 standing guests, alongside the renowned Rock® Spa and Body Rock Fitness.

Drawing inspiration from Athens’s rich heritage and the picturesque Mediterranean landscape, this unique destination will augment Hard Rock’s expanding footprint in Europe. The commitment of Hard Rock and GEK TERNA Group to this project aligns with their shared vision with the Greek government and Lamda Development, aiming to transform the historic Hellinikon Airport into a premier redevelopment project that will elevate Greece’s tourism standing on a global scale.

George Peristeris, the Chairman and CEO of GEK TERNA Group, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration with Hard Rock International. He highlighted the project’s significance beyond its considerable financial value, emphasizing its role in enhancing Greece’s tourism profile, providing extensive employment opportunities, and contributing substantial revenue to the national economy. He affirmed that the Integrated Resort Complex in Hellinikon is a tangible reality, showcasing their commitment to fulfilling their promises.

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