Northfield Park's new casino to be officially named Hard Rock Rocksino

NORTHFIELD, Ohio - Very often when a horse track gets gambling it's called a racino, as in the new Thistledown Racino set to open this spring in North Randall. The folks at Hard Rock though took a spin on that in coming up with a new gaming brand "Rocksino."

Hard Rock announced Monday their new joint venture with Northfield Park will be the first property to carry the Rocksino name.

"We want to bring something special to a region so rich in music history and are proud this location will launch the 'Rocksino' brand,” said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International.

"Hard Rock is committed to building the premier entertainment and gaming destination in the area," he said. "The Rocksino is sure to become a the premiere entertainment and gaming destination in the Midwest."

Site preparation work began at the track last month. The free standing, slots only casino will rise out of the parking lot near the existing track. It's set to open to the public in December.

"We are excited to work with the dynamic, world-renowned Hard Rock brand on this project and are certain the Rocksino will enhance the Northfield Park racetrack experience for our visitors,” said Brock Milstein, chairman and CEO of Northfield Park and Milstein Entertainment.

“We are also excited to report that construction is underway and on schedule. We look forward to holding a job fair in late 2013 offering great jobs for all skill sets, and ultimately, generating more than 600 new permanent jobs upon the Rocksino’s opening," Milstein continued.

The Rocksino in Northfield Park will feature 2,300 slots or VLTs; entertainment such as celebrity musicians, functions and banquets at the Hard Rock Live music venue, the fifth of its kind, which will hold up to 2,600 guests.

The property is slated to offer multiple dining outlets, including a Hard Rock Cafe, a sports-inspired premium steakhouse, Center Bar and buffet.

Northfield and Thistledown are two of the state's seven horse tracks able to offer slots under the direction of the Ohio Lottery. Scioto Downs outside of Columbus was the first track in the state to open its racino last year.