City of Gary and Hard Rock Proposal for Lake County Convention Center Gets Enthusiastic Support at Community Meeting


City of Gary and Hard Rock Proposal for Lake County Convention Center Gets Enthusiastic Support at Community Meeting

Gary, IND. (MARCH 6, 2025) The proposal for a new Lake County Convention Center near Hard Rock Casino received enthusiastic support from a few hundred community members Thursday during a special meeting at St. Timothy Church.

“A new convention center in Gary will be more than an event space – it will be an economic engine to continue the revitalization of our city and benefit all of Lake County,” said Gary Mayor Eddie Melton. “We have an opportunity to capitalize on Hard Rock’s success – a vibrant entertainment destination that has drawn more than 8 million visitors in under four years – to further boost tourism, create jobs, generate opportunities for local vendors and drive long-term economic growth.”

At the meeting, Mayor Melton, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana President Matt Schuffert and AECOM Managing Principal Jeannette Peruchini shared plans for the proposed 145,000-square-foot convention center and Hard Rock Hotel, which will include an estimated 300 rooms.

Mayor Melton highlighted the project’s strong commitment to hiring local workers – including union labor, trade professionals, Indiana vendors, and minority- and women-owned businesses – and emphasized how it will transform Gary and the entire region.

“Hard Rock delivered on its promise of good, living-wage jobs at the casino, and I am grateful for their pledge to do the same at the convention center,” Mayor Eddie Melton said. “A convention center and hotel will take this destination to the next level.”

This convention center proposal will be funded entirely through gaming taxes, state matching funds, and $30 million over 20 years from Hard Rock, with no proposed increase in the innkeeper’s tax.

The proposed site is shovel-ready without need for additional infrastructure improvements like utilities or roads. The prime location along I-80 between I-294 and I-65 – one of the busiest corridors in the country – makes it ideal for major events, conferences and trade shows.

Building on Hard Rock’s proven impact in the region, this new development will be a catalyst for even more economic growth and a magnet for top-tier conferences, trade shows and entertainment.

“Hard Rock is proud to be part of this community, and we’re excited to build on that commitment to drive even greater economic impact in this region,” said Matt Schuffert, President of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. “With our proven success in hospitality, entertainment and convention management, no one else has the global reach, expertise and brand power to bring world-class events to Lake County like we can. This convention center will not only drive tourism and economic growth but also create lasting opportunities for local businesses and the community.”

With a focus on both community impact and long-term sustainability, AECOM is designing a convention center that will serve Lake County for generations to come.

“When designing this state-of-the-art convention center, our priorities were clear: fostering community connections and promoting sustainability,” said Jeannette Peruchini, Managing Principal at AECOM. “We created spaces for outdoor events to bring people together, such as farmers markets and movie nights, while integrating eco-friendly features like a green roof, solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems to minimize the environmental footprint.”

The City of Gary, Hard Rock and AECOM will continue working with county officials, stakeholders and community members to advocate for the project’s selection. Learn more about the Gary proposal at our website https://lakecountyconventioncenter.com/.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Geneba Tequila- Ingrid LaVon