Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is a gaming complex and hotel that opened in 2004. It is located on the Tampa Reservation off of Interstate 4, just east of Tampa, Florida. The 190,000 square foot casino has been expanded multiple times since its opening. It is a 24-hour venue that permits smoking indoors.
It includes many displays of rock and roll memorabilia, such as clothing and musical instruments. Rock videos and music play on multiple screens, including one displayed inside a waterfall. Many song lyrics are displayed on the walls. Among its many services are a food court and tour bus parking. Special membership cards entitled "Seminole Wild Cards" allow points accumulated by gambling to be redeemed for retail discounts, gambling playing credits, and other discounts and promotions.
History
In 1980, while excavating to build a parking garage in downtown Tampa, Indian remains were discovered. They were exhumed and relocated to 8.3 acre of land east of Tampa, that was granted reservation status to the Seminole Tribe one year later. Taking advantage of reservation status, the tribe opened a museum, a smoke shop and a high-stakes bingo hall by 1982. Eventually a Four Points Sheraton Hotel opened on the land, and slot machines and poker were added to games offered. In 2000, the Seminoles announced plans to rebuild the casino as a Hard Rock Casino. The Hard Rock Casino opened in 2003, with the hotel opening the following year. Over time, the Florida Legislature has adopted laws allowing new games at the casino, including Vegas-style slot machines and blackjack. Major expansions of the casino occurred in 2007 and 2012, making it the largest in Florida.