Hard Rock Athens Hotel & Casino at The Ellinikon Enters Full-Scale Construction

The largest tourism and entertainment investment in Attica is moving into full implementation, as the integrated Hard Rock Athens Hotel & Casino (IRC) enters its full-scale construction phase.

The landmark project, with a total investment of approximately €1.8 billion, is expected to transform Greece’s tourism landscape and is scheduled to open to the public in the first half of 2029.

Construction of the complex has been entrusted to TERNA, the construction arm of GEK TERNA Group, on behalf of Hard Rock Athens IRC S.A. The project is being developed under a 30-year concession agreement, with Hard Rock International holding a 51% stake and GEK TERNA Group the remaining 49%.

Construction progress and project overview

Construction is advancing rapidly, with significant progress across the project’s main development fronts, including the lower levels and supporting infrastructure. Works are currently underway on the Tower, the Podium, the HR Live entertainment venue, and the MICE conference and exhibition center.

The integrated resort will feature:

• Five-star hotel: An ultra-luxury hotel with a net floor area of 110,960 sq.m., offering 2,920 beds, including 900 guestrooms and 200 suites.
• MICE Conference and Exhibition Center: A state-of-the-art 17,110 sq.m. venue designed to host international conferences, exhibitions, and business events.
• HR Live entertainment venue: A modern indoor arena with a capacity of 9,000 spectators, suitable for sports, concerts, and cultural events.
• Dining and retail: A selection of retail outlets, along with approximately 14 restaurants and bars operated by internationally recognized brands.
• Casino (Integrated Resort Casino): A 15,000 sq.m. gaming facility featuring 180 gaming tables and 1,500 slot machines. Despite its scale, the casino will occupy only a low single-digit percentage of the resort’s total built area.

Economic impact and tourism boost

The operation of the Hard Rock Athens IRC is expected to serve as a major catalyst for the economy of the Greek capital. According to relevant studies, the integrated resort is projected to increase tourist arrivals in Attica by 10%.

At full operation, the complex is expected to welcome approximately 10,000 visitors per day while creating around 3,000 permanent jobs, providing a significant boost to employment across the wider metropolitan area.

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