Hard Rock Casino A Sign Lake Tahoe's Economy Extends Beyond Snow In Drought

LAKE TAHOE (CBS13) — A new, $60 million Hard Rock Casino and Hotel project will open in less than two weeks, and they're expecting a crowd, despite Tahoe being low on snow.

Contractors are putting the final touches on the building, which will feature 550 rooms, complete with a 24-hour oyster bar and an 1,800-square-foot Elvis suite. But it won't be all slots and table games. The hotel plans to bank on its famous rock 'n' roll edge.

"The environment we'll create with the memorabilia, it's just cool," said director of marketing Siobhan Fajayan.

Reservations for the opening weekend, which happens to be Super Bowl weekend, are nearly sold out.

Hard Rock is also teaming up with Heavenly Mountain Resort to offer ski packages and non-ski parties like the unbuckle party.

While the drought has hurt ski resorts in recent years, Mike Frye with the Visitors Authority says Tahoe's south shore is becoming less dependent on snow.

"There's so much going on in town now, it's just really sweet," he said.

He points to MontBleu, just across from the Hard Rock, which is spending millions to spruce up its image.

But the Hard Rock is creating all the buzz now, with its grand opening that will feature dignitaries, musicians and a big surprise. The official opening is set for 8 p.m. on Jan. 28.