Isleta re-brands to Hard Rock Casino

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The transformation is complete. Friday, the Isleta Casino and Resort officially became the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Albuquerque.

A grand opening ceremony complete with dignitaries and guitar smashing kicked things off Friday afternoon.

The Isleta Pueblo's governor and Rep. Harry Teague, D-N.M., spoke during the festivities.

The Hard Rock said they spent millions renovating and remodeling the casino.

From the new Center Bar with TVs playing music videos and the rock murals surrounding it to the display cases filled with memorabilia from acts like U2 and Michael Jackson, the casino has a completely different feel.

For gamblers there are now 200 more slot machine.

Those looking to take some Hard Rock squeezed into the brand new gift shop for the first time Friday.

Opening weekend has drawn in some big crows, which is a good sign for the Isleta Pueblo, which spent $100 million to build the resort.

Now they’re hoping the Hard Rock name will pay dividends.

So far visitors say they like what they’re seeing.

“I like it, it’s got an interesting vibe, definitely a cool environment, they’ve got all the outfits that were worn by Elton John and Michael Jackson, its pretty cool,” William Ross said.

The VIP event wrapped up Friday evening with cocktails and a concert by Lonestar.