Hard Rock Breaks Ground for New Casino-Resort in Athens, Greece

The recent groundbreaking ceremony at Hellinikon Airport was a historic occasion that signified a critical turning point for the future Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens. With its revolutionary integrated resort (IR), the project, which was previously shelved in 2020, is poised to revolutionize the landscape of continental Europe under the new developer Hard Rock International’s partnership with GEK TERNA Group.

This casino-resort is going to be the first of its kind in continental Europe, so it’s not simply another addition to the hospitality sector. In an effort to stimulate Athens’ tourist and entertainment industries, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens is set to open for business in 2027.

When finished, this unique location will seamlessly combine a state-of-the-art Rock Spa® and Pool Complex, a luxury hotel, state-of-the-art conference space, a world-class gaming floor, famous dining options, premium entertainment venues, and upmarket retail promenades.

With 1,500 gaming machines and 180 gaming tables, the gaming floor is expected to be a bustling area. 1,100 hotel rooms and 15 dining options will be housed in a towering tower. Along with the Rock® Spa and Body Rock Fitness, the casino-resort will also have the Hard Rock Live theater, which can hold 3,000 visitors with standing capacity for an extra 4,000.

Hard Rock International Chairman, Jim Allen, expressed gratitude, saying, “We are grateful to all the political leaders, our partners at Gek Terna, and the people of Athens for supporting us and this project.”

Along with a first-rate facility, the €1.5 billion development project also promises economic growth. This initiative is expected to have a favorable effect on the economy of Greece and Athens, creating 3,000 construction employment and 3,000 permanent jobs. Developers Lamda Development and the Greek government share a same vision that is in line with the promise to renovate Hellinikon Airport.3,000 seats and space for 4,000 standing guests in addition to the Rock® Spa and Body Rock Fitness.

According to George Peristeris, Chairman and CEO of GEK TERNA Group, “The Integrated Resort Complex in Hellinikon is no longer a promise, a vision, or a plan. It is a project that is already being built, proving in practice that we implement our commitments.”

The construction of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens represents not only a new chapter in the history of opulent entertainment, but also the shared goal of improving Athens’ and Greece’s position in the international travel community.