News: Hard Rock Park to open in 2008

Posted at 3:42 PM EST (2042 GMT)

Mar. 31st, 2006 -- ORLANDO, Fla., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International, one of the world's most recognizable brands known for dining, rock music, memorabilia and entertainment, has announced plans for a new concept -- Hard Rock Park, which will celebrate the spirit of rock n' roll in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Under terms of a long-term license agreement, HRP Myrtle Beach Operations LLC will own and operate the park, which will be located on approximately 140-acre park at Fantasy Harbour on the corner of U.S. 501 and the Intracoastal Waterway. The nearly $400 million Hard Rock Park is billed as a totally immersive, full-day attraction, appealing to visitors of all generations. The groundbreaking park will reflect the brand's commitment to music featuring six unique, custom-designed zones celebrating rock's culture, lifestyle, legends and irreverence. Positioned to blow traditional park visitors away, Hard Rock Park will include more than 40 attractions, a multi-purpose live music amphitheater, shows and state-of-the-art sound systems -- uniquely developed for the project, roller coasters, children's play areas, restaurants, cafes and retail stores.

Plans have been under development for some time and also make provision for a Hard Rock Hotel. "This is a unique and exciting venture for Hard Rock," said Hamish Dodds, President and CEO, Hard Rock International. "In both the Hard Rock Park and Hotel we will be working with some of rock's legendary artists to create a unique entertainment venue."

The park will also offer the opportunity for Hard Rock to display a vast collection of unique memorabilia pieces from the history of rock n' roll including cars, oversized concert stage props and other exceptional pieces. Steven Goodwin, CEO of HRP Myrtle Beach Operations LLC, said, "The Hard Rock Park will be a unique entertainment experience and its innovations will bring a whole new standard of fun to rock fans of all ages." Goodwin also said the strong support from the community has been invaluable in creating Hard Rock Park. "We would like to thank our local partners for their unwavering support and all their assistance over the past few years," he added.

"For generations, Myrtle Beach has been a major draw for tourism in our state, particularly when it comes to being a place for families to enjoy their vacations," said South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford. "With the addition of a major international attraction like Hard Rock Park, it's one more reason for folks to visit the Myrtle Beach area and South Carolina. On top of that, with nearly $400 million in investment and the creation of approximately 3,000 jobs, Hard Rock Park represents the largest single investment in tourism infrastructure in South Carolina's history. We believe that this project will significantly accelerate the growth of the state's largest export -- tourism." Hard Rock Park is a perfect fit for fun-loving Myrtle Beach," said Chad Prosser, South Carolina's Director of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. "The international recognition of the Hard Rock brand will draw more visitors to South Carolina and help our state diversify its visitor base."

"Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular family vacation spots in the United States, and Hard Rock Park will be a significant and fun addition to our amusement attractions," stated Horry County Council Chairman Liz Gilland. "I've looked forward to this public announcement for two years, and I am excited to see this park become a reality."

"The combination of the Hard Rock brand and 14 million visitors staying an average of 5.5 days in Myrtle Beach every year seemed to us a winning combination," said Ziel Feldman Principal HFZ Capital Group a partner in the park. "We also have a uniquely capable management team who have managed, created and built some of the largest theme parks in the world."

Amnon Bar-Tur managing member of SafeHarbor Holding LLC said, "I am proud to partner with Ziel Feldman in putting together this distinguished group of investors including Africa Israel Investments and Polar International Real Estate to join us in creating this exciting park. This fusion of a great brand, great location and superior management team will ensure the success of this venture."

Construction of the park is expected to begin this spring and once completed during peak season will entertain more than 30,000 guests per day.