Hard Rock Hotel Holdings, LLC and HRHH IP, LLC have entered into a license agreement with the Pueblo of Isleta which, pending the review of the National Indian Gaming Commission, will enable the Pueblo of Isleta to brand its newly expanded hotel and casino near Albuquerque, New Mexico under the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino name.
 
“We are thrilled to have reached an agreement to bring Hard Rock to Albuquerque. We feel that Hard Rock is the best brand and partner in the hotel and gaming industry, and this new direction will provide us a significant advantage in the competitive Albuquerque market,” said Ron Olson, CEO, Isleta Casino & Resort. “Furthermore, the Hard Rock brand will help us in our quest to make our beautiful hotel and casino more of a destination for groups, individuals, business customers and families.”
 
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Albuquerque will be the first and only Hard Rock branded property in the state of New Mexico. Isleta Casino & Resort with undergo a multi‐million dollar property improvement plan and open in the second quarter of 2010 as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Albuquerque. The property will continue to operate with no disruption during the renovation period.
 
“This isn’t just a celebration for the people of Isleta. To say that we are excited about this new venture is an understatement. The Hard Rock name is one of the most recognized throughout the world. It is our hope that this venture will not only bring our New Mexico neighbors and friends to Isleta, but also bring national and international visitors to the state,” said Governor Robert Benavides of Isleta Pueblo.
 
President of Morgan’s Hotel Group Las Vegas and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Randy Kwasniewski looks forward to working with Olson’s team and the Pueblo of Isleta. “We are extremely pleased to have reached this agreement with Pueblo of Isleta and are very grateful for the confidence they’ve shown in the Hard Rock Brand,” he said.
 
In accordance with Hard Rock’s high standard of service, attention to detail and unique experience, the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Albuquerque will also include premier entertainment, the décor, memorabilia, and merchandise that have made the Hard Rock brand famous around the world.
 
For more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview, please contact Steve Neely, Marketing Director, Isleta Resort & Casino 505.244.8174 or steven@isleta‐casino.com.