In celebration of Hard Rock International’s annual “International Women’s Month” in March and International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, Hard Rock and global superstar & humanitarian, Shakira, announce a year-long partnership that aims to empower women around the world to tell their stories, be their authentic selves and unite through the power of music. The company is raising funds through its charitable arm, Hard Rock Heals Foundation, throughout International Women’s Month. A portion of proceeds will benefit Pies Descalzos Foundation—Shakira’s non-profit organization enhancing the education and social development of girls in Colombia’s most vulnerable communities—as well as local women’s organizations within the communities of Hard Rock locations.

“I’m excited to partner with Hard Rock, an organization with an incredible history of uplifting women through the power of music, to empower my sisters this International Women’s Day and beyond. Together we can use our voices to break barriers and make the world a more inclusive space where every woman feels confident being themselves,” Shakira said.

Hard Rock and Shakira collaborated on menu items including food, a delicious “Hips Don’t Lie” cocktail and unique clothing designed to celebrate women. Hard Rock will also host 1000 women-led performances in March—including the incomparable global star Diana Ross and standup comedian Iliza Shlesinger among many others—at its cafes, hotels, casinos, and live music venues across the globe.

“From concerts to her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran album release party and being part of the Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program commercial, Hard Rock and Shakira’s shared values of honoring women through music has connected us over the course of her groundbreaking career. This year, we encourage women to raise their voices, share their stories and lift each other up,” Elena Alvarez, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand Partnerships at Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International, said.

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The Hard Rock Heals Foundation will donate $250,000 to Pies Descalzos Foundation in addition to guest contributions to the program.

“We are grateful to Hard Rock for its generous donation, which will support our mission of providing access to education for Colombia’s young girls, giving them a brighter future,” Patricia Sierra, Executive Director at Pies Descalzos Foundation, said.

Hard Rock International announced that Hard Rock Bet is now fully integrated into Unity by Hard Rock, a one-of-a-kind loyalty program that rewards members for doing the things they love across Hard Rock’s portfolio of more than 200 locations including hotels, casinos, cafes, and Rock Shops around the world.

Hard Rock Bet, Hard Rock International, and Seminole Gaming’s top-rated sports betting and online casino platform, will maintain its free online Loyalty Rewards program, which gives players the opportunity to earn points and one-of-a-kind rewards for their play. With the Unity integration, players will earn Tier Credits for both programs with their online play at Hard Rock Bet and can seamlessly transfer points between the two programs for online and on-property rewards. Upon signing up for Hard Rock Bet, players will automatically be registered for a Unity by Hard Rock account if they aren’t already a member.

The complimentary Unity by Hard Rock global loyalty program offers an array of benefits and services at participating Hard Rock locations where members can earn and redeem Unity Points toward free nights, dining experiences, great merch, and free play. Hard Rock also embarked on a partnership with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises to reward travelers on land, sea and at ports of call with reciprocal benefits through Unity by Hard Rock, Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale and Celebrity Cruises’ Blue Chip Club. Now inclusive of Hard Rock Bet players, members gain exclusive access to offers, promotions, and rewards, as well as discounts to participating Hard Rock properties.

“Integrating Hard Rock Bet into Unity will be a game-changer for guest engagement. This enhancement not only offers a fun, interactive way for guests to earn points when placing bets, but also significantly boosts loyalty. By rewarding guests for their playtime, we create a win-win scenario where guests enjoy an enriched experience, and we foster an introduction to all the amazing verticals in our brand through point redemption opportunities at Hotels, Casinos, Cafes, Rock Shops and entertainment venues,” said Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment & Brand Management at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming.

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Hard Rock International announced the appointment of casino and resorts leader Chris Kelley as President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon, where he will oversee operations of the upcoming entertainment destination opening in Kern County, CA in late 2025. He reports to Jon Lucas, COO of Hard Rock International.

“A veteran of the casino and resorts space, we are so excited to have Chris join our team and lead operations at the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon set to bring premier gaming and live entertainment experiences to the growing Kern County area. We are confident Chris will bring forth his innovative and extensive background in finance and operations, ensuring continued growth and excellence for Hard Rock’s leadership in the gaming industry,” said Lucas.

With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Chris brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Most recently, Chris served as President & COO of MGM Resorts International Northeast Group, where he oversaw operations at MGM Springfield in Springfield, Massachusetts and Empire City in Yonkers, New York.

“I am so thrilled to join the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon team as President. This is an incredible opportunity to lead a dynamic and exciting property that embodies the spirit of entertainment and hospitality. I look forward to working with the talented team here to create unforgettable experiences for our future guests and to drive the continued success and growth of this iconic brand,” said Kelley.

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