Things got off to a smashing start with the grand opening of the Hard Rock Casino in Stateline. On Wednesday, the hotel and casino had its grand opening ceremonies which included the smashing of an ice guitar.

"We have spent the summer and fall rehearsing for our big day, and we could not be more excited to share our new resort casino with everyone," said Don Marrandino, senior vice president of operations for Warner Hospitality, leading the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe project. "The grand opening is all about celebrating, thanking the South Lake Tahoe community, our many friends and soon-to-be guests for their support. We're excited to see such a great turnout today as we gather local dignitaries to smash an ice guitar, rather than the traditional ribbon cutting, and officially open the property to the public."

The new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino takes the place of the Horizon Casino Resort. The Horizon was previously operated by Lake Tahoe Realty I, LLC. an affiliate of Columbia Sussex. The lease agreement with the owners of the property, the Park Companies, expired on March 31, 2014 and the hotel and casino were closed on April 1, 2014. Shortly thereafter the Park Companies announced plans to renovate and reopen the hotel casino as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe.

After spending $60 million on upgrades and renovations the property was reopened on January 28, 2015. The property features 500 slot machines, a 25,000 plus square foot casino, 539 room hotel, retail shops, restaurants, and bars. In addition, the property also features the largest outdoor pool in South Lake Tahoe.