Hard Rock proposing casino at Eastern States Exposition

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Hard Rock International brought in a famous rock star for a red-carpet presentation outlining their plans for a resort casino at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.

Friday, The Big E and Hard Rock announced the partnership to develop a casino on 40 acres of Exposition property in West Springfield, which would be called " Hard Rock Hotel and Casino New England." The proposed casino would include a gaming and a 400-500 room hotel and a Hard Rock Cafe restaurant As well as additional (though currently unspecified) high-profile shopping and dining options, a massive rooftop pool, additional convention space, as well as a museum featuring the history of popular music.

• Photos: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino New England

During the announcement at the Storrowton Carriage House, Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen said that the proposed resort could create 1,500 to 2,000 jobs, and that they want to hire local people first.

If built, the casino would be located in an area of the Big E property that is currently a parking lot; located behind the Mallory Complex.

Big E Chairman Gene Cassidy, who had in the past expressed opposition to the idea of a casino in western Massachusetts, said that he thinks this proposal would secure the future of the fairgrounds and the annual fair, which will continue if the casino is developed.

"Their presence on our parking lot are going to afford us opportunities to make the buildings that stand, better," Cassidy said.

Prior to working with the Eastern States Exposition on the West Springfield plan, Hard Rock had shown an interest in casino sites in nearby Holyoke and Springfield. Allen said that he now thinks that this is the best site for them. He said that the Big E's history as an entertainment venue, as well as the size of the site, is why they chose West Springfield.

"It scared us looking at other sites that were either too small or too much in a true residential neighborhood where there would be difficult obstacles to overcome," Allen said.

According to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, Hard Rock has already submitted its state-mandated $400,000 application fee to advance the proposal. That fee is due for all proposed casinos on Tuesday.

What was not revealed at the presentation was details about how the proposed casino would manage traffic and parking issues. Hard Rock says that they have hired a consultant to address these issues.

Jeffrey Daigneau, chef and owner of Latitudes Restaruant, which is located across from the Big E, said that he was impressed with the presentation, but he still has some questions.

"There were a lot of questions that were brought up today that people want to know about. Infrastructure, parking how are they going to get to the casino, that eventually have to be answered," he said.

The announcement was made at a red carpet event, where many famous rock and roll objects were put on display. Among the items featured at the luncheon are the jacket worn by Michael Jackson in the Thriller video, a guitar used by Gene Simmons of the band Kiss, and a dress worn by singer Katy Perry.

Meanwhile, rock star Bret Michaels was brought-in to add some additional star power to the event. The Poison frontman performed on stage before and after the announcement was made.