The Jacksons return home to headline a full slate of concerts as Hard Rock Casino in Gary books national acts. Clint Black and Papa Roach will also play.

Opening during the pandemic was never part of the plan for the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. The wheels were set in motion nearly 30 years ago by community leaders in Gary Indiana and the $300 million gaming facility opened with a guitar-smashing ceremony on May 14, 2021.

The Hard Rock Live club remained closed for a time, then started booking local, regional, and Chicago-area bands for free weekend concerts. Rockers Disturbed were the first national act to play the Hard Rock Live stage in November, and the venue's New Year's Eve show overcame the challenge of headliners Sugar Ray having to cancel last-minute due to a positive COVID test in their immediate touring party. Smashmouth stepped up to ring in the new year loudly.

Now, more national acts have been booked for the Hard Rock Live stage in 2022, with none bigger for the area than the Jacksons. The Jackson 5 is the reason the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is located where it is. Joe and Katherine Jackson raised Marlon, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael just a few miles away in Gary, Indiana. Marlon and Tito were on hand for the grand opening, along with Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, Indiana native Deniece "Let's Hear It for the Boy" Williams, and others. Now, the Jacksons are planning their triumphant return with a hometown concert on February 18. Here are the national acts booked so far for 2022 concerts at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.

  • The Jacksons | Feb 18 | $65+
  • Papa Roach “Kill The Noise” Tour | March 12 | $59.50+
  • An Evening with Clint Black | March 18 | $49.50+

Hard Rock Live hosts free shows every weekend with bands rotating through the lineup. Heads-up on a can't-miss free show: Robert Randolph and the Family Band on February 12. While you're there, don't miss the Jacksons' stage costumes from the '70s and one of Michael's signature gloves on display as part of the rock memorabilia that the Hard Rock is famous for. Keep scrolling for more of what you will see.

Rock History: What to See at Hard Rock Casino in Gary

Eddie Van Halen's striped guitar and Michael Jackson's sequined glove are the highlights of the memorabilia on display the the Hard Rock Casino in Gary, Indiana.
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Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana Grand Opening

Two of the Jackson 5 were on hand as rock stars and dignitaries officially opened the $300 million Hard Rock Casino in Gary, Indiana.

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