Hard Rock International Launches Groundbreaking for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens: A New Era in European Luxury Entertainment
Hard Rock International, in collaboration with GEK TERNA Group, marks a significant milestone in Athens with the groundbreaking of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens. This landmark event at the historical Hellinikon Airport signifies the beginning of a project that is set to revolutionize luxury entertainment in continental Europe and boost both the local and national economies.
The ceremony, held at the Hellinikon Experience Center, witnessed the presence of Hard Rock International executives, GEK TERNA Group executives, Greek government officials, political dignitaries, and local community leaders. This event not only celebrated the start of construction but also underscored the collaboration and support from various stakeholders.
Slated to open in 2027, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens is poised to be the first integrated resort of its kind in continental Europe. The resort promises to blend an upscale hotel, world-class gaming floor, premier meeting and convention space, and state-of-the-art entertainment venue. It will also feature internationally acclaimed food and beverage options, the luxurious Rock Spa and Pool Complex, and a high-end retail promenade.
With a budget of €1.5 billion, this construction project is anticipated to create 3,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent jobs. It is expected to have a substantial positive impact on Athens’s local economy and Greece’s economy at large.
Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International, emphasized the significance of the project, expressing gratitude to political leaders, partners at Gek Terna, and the people of Athens for their support.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens will house a vibrant casino with 180 tables and 1,500 gaming machines, a tower with 1,100 guest rooms, and 15 dining options. Additional highlights include a 3,000-seat Hard Rock Live theatre and the Rock Spa and Body Rock Fitness.
Reflecting Athens’s rich cultural legacy and the picturesque Mediterranean landscape, this unique destination will enhance Hard Rock’s presence in Europe. This project represents a shared vision with the Greek government and Lamda Development to transform the historical Hellinikon Airport into a world-class redevelopment, further elevating Greece’s tourism industry.
George Peristeris, Chairman and CEO of GEK TERNA Group, expressed pride in the collaboration with Hard Rock International, highlighting the project’s significance beyond its financial value. He stressed that this development would be a benchmark for Greece’s tourism internationally, offering employment opportunities and contributing significantly to the national budget. Peristeris confirmed that the Integrated Resort Complex in Hellinikon is now a tangible project, fulfilling commitments and showcasing the realization of a vision.