Yesterday the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana ushered in the Lunar New Year – the Year of the Fire Horse - with a dramatic lion dance performance by Yu’s Lion Dance Team from Chicago’s Chinatown in a ceremonial procession on the casino floor. Guests throughout the casino were excited to witness the dynamic performance as the lion made his way around the gaming floor to bring a blessing of good fortune. This performance kicked off the Hard Rock’s big Lunar New Year celebration that began this weekend and continues through March 1. This year is extra special because the Fire Horse only comes around once every 60 years. The Fire Horse symbolizes energy, passion, independence, and fast-paced change in the new year.
Lunar New Year decorations, lucky menu items, a $200,000 Baccarat Tournament, and a ceremonial lion dance are all part of the celebration to usher in luck in the new year. Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is Northwest Indiana’s number one place to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Guests will enjoy the festive red lanterns, New Year couplets and firecracker decorations on display in the YouYu Noodle Bar and in the Baccarat Room.
Guests can celebrate the Lunar New Year with some lucky new menu specials at YouYu Noodle Bar. The special Lunar New Year menu items will be available for dine-in only Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in February beginning Saturday, February 14 – March 1. The specials will also be offered on Lunar New Year’s Eve – Monday, February 16. YouYu is open from noon to 2 a.m.
Here are the special Chinese Lunar New Year menu items.
- Lamb Lollipops $28.95
- Stir-fried clams with Black Bean Sauce $45.95
- Steamed Whole Fish $75.95
- Lucky Lobster $75.95 – Stir-fried with ginger and scallions
- Pea Leaf $23.95 – stir -fried with garlic
In addition to these limited time offerings, there are a number of Chinese favorites on the regular menu at YouYu Noodle Bar to help you usher in luck for the new year. These include Szechuan Pork Dumplings, Crispy Shrimp Spring Rolls, and Hong Kong Style Wonton Soup.
Lion Dance Performance
On Sunday, February 15 at 5 p.m., the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana hosted a dramatic lion dance performance. Yu’s Lion Dance Team from Chicago’s Chinatown performed a ceremonial procession featuring an elaborate lion costume and a vibrant percussion team of drums, cymbals, and gongs. The lion dance traveled around the casino floor chasing away the evil spirits and bringing luck in the new year.
$200,000 Baccarat Tournament
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is also hosting a five-week Baccarat Tournament Series offering a total of $200,000 in prize pools. The tournament is scheduled to take place in conjunction with the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration in February and March.
Each week, players will have opportunities to qualify for the tournament through regular baccarat play. Qualifying participants will advance to a weekly tournament held on Sundays beginning February 15. The first four weeks of the series will each feature $25,000 in weekly prizes. The fifth and final week will culminate in a $100,000 grand finale tournament, bringing the total series prize pool to $200,000. Spectators can get into the excitement by watching the tournament from an adjacent viewing area.
Baccarat is the most popular table game among Indiana casinos and Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana has the most baccarat tables among the Indiana casino properties. Hard Rock has been leading the state in baccarat “win” since July of 2021.
Baccarat holds longstanding cultural significance in many communities, where it is traditionally associated with luck, simplicity, and favorable odds compared to other casino table games.
Additional details regarding qualification criteria, tournament structure, and rules will be available at www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is located at 5400 West 29th Ave. in Gary, IN directly adjacent to the I80/94 Burr Street Interchange. For more information, call 219-228-2383 or visit www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.
About Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana: Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s $300 Million casino and entertainment destination opened to the public on May 14, 2021. Hard Rock’s premier 200,000-square foot entertainment complex features over 1700 slots and 80 table games totaling more than 2,100 gaming positions. In addition to the Hard Rock Live performance venue, Hard Rock Casino’s five dining options include Hard Rock Café, Council Oak Steaks and Seafood, YOUYU Noodle Bar, Fresh Harvest, and Constant Grind Coffee Shop. It also features a retail shop. For more information, contact https://www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.