The expansion plans will see the resort filled with 5,000 slot machines and almost 200 gaming tables, while the resort will also contain approximately 200,000 sq. ft. of entertainment and gaming, which will make it one of the largest integrated resorts in America.
However, the main focus of the expansion will be the new 15-story hotel tower featuring an additional 564 hotel rooms and suites. Along with 79 new hotel suites, the expanded hotel will offer approximately 800 guest rooms.
This latest investment follows the Seminoles commencing work on a $1.5bn expansion of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood in November 2017. The additional $700m investment in Tampa, represents the two largest parts of a $2.4bn upgrade to the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s flagship casinos.
Speaking about this latest investment, Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming said that “Major expansion of the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa is further evidence of the Seminole Tribe’s commitment to the people of Florida that it will continue to increase the economic impact of its Seminole Gaming facilities,"
Joe Lupo, President of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa paid tribute to the work of his employees, adding: “Our team members are the backbone of our operation, and we value their attention to detail and focus on guest care. In addition to enhancing our guest experience and offering a premiere resort entertainment destination, this expansion will offer more growth opportunities for our team members.”
The project is set to be completed by mid-2019 and will also include several other expansions including new dining, shopping, and parking and spa facilities.
