You can’t help but notice the massive cranes at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa.
Management at the complex revealed new information about the $700 million expansion including drawings and a model showing the new buildings.
A 15-story hotel tower with an additional 564 rooms and suites is the centerpiece of the facility.
There will also be a convention center and spa.
Joe Lupo is the president at the hotel and casino and believes this will be a resort-style complex that will attract visitors from all over.
“To do all of the things, the exciting things that Tampa has to offer,” said Lupo. “From sports to culture and with Orlando being a short distance away, Tampa really becomes a resort destination.”
The big news, if you’re not a gambler or casino regular, is what this will mean for the local economy.
The project has already created thousands of construction jobs and once it’s completed, the complex will increase its workforce by a third.
Lupo says they will be hiring for every position imaginable.
“We’ll be hiring dealers. We’ll be hiring slot attendants. We’re opening three new restaurants. We’ll be hiring spa attendants,” said Lupo. “We’ll be hiring A/V people to make sure we can house the shows that are coming up.”
While management at the Hard Rock are smiling ear to ear while talking about the expansion, Mohammed Aly says take it or leave it.
He owns the Westshore Pizza franchise across the street.
He says he rarely sees any business from Hard Rock customers and increasing the size of the complex won’t affect him.
“They have over 14 restaurants inside. Nobody will come here to eat, you know?” said Aly.
“If you win money, you’re going to spend your money inside the casino. If you lose money, you’re going to go home.”