Local Bands to Compete for Big Break on 97X Radio

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is once again turning up the volume with the return of Hard Rock Rising Tampa – Battle of the Bands competition. Local music acts will compete for a shot at career-changing exposure and their moment in the spotlight at Hard Rock Cafe Tampa.

Since 2017, 97X and Seminole Hard Rock Tampa have joined forces to give one lucky local band the chance to ignite the 97X Next Big Thing stage.

This year, Hard Rock Rising raises the stakes with a new grand prize. Local bands will compete for a shot at their song being showcased on 97X and the chance to open the next 97X concert.

Rising to the Next Level
Beginning on Monday, September 15 at 10 a.m., Seminole Hard Rock Tampa will open online registration at TampaHardRock.com/Rising. All entrants will need to be at least 16 years of age and submit a completed ReverbNation webpage with two original song uploads. The submission period ends on Sunday, October 12 at 11:59 p.m.

From Monday, October 13 to Sunday, October 19, committee voting will take place to determine the top three finalists from all eligible entrants to participate in the live competition. In addition, four to six wildcards will be chosen.

During the period Monday, October 20 (10 a.m.) to Sunday, October 26 (4 p.m.) fans will have the opportunity to select one wildcard finalist via social media.

On Tuesday, October 28, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa will announce online the three finalist bands and the wildcard finalist band.

The Hard Rock Rising Battle of the Bands Event in Hard Rock Cafe is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19 (doors open at 6:30 p.m.).

Winner Takes All
One band will be crowned the 2025 Hard Rock Rising Champion, earning the grand prize package and the opportunity of a lifetime. The grand prize winner will have their song showcased on 97X for all of Tampa Bay to hear.

The grand prize winner will also get massive exposure with their band receiving featured promotion on 97X’s social media channels, connecting the band with thousands of local live music fans.

Additionally, the winning band will get on the big stage with an exclusive opportunity to open at the next 97X Concert, performing for a packed crowd.

The live competition judges will include a variety of music industry professionals. There will be five categories included in the judging criteria – Originality (30 percent), Musicianship (30 percent), Vocal Ability (20 percent) and Marketability (20 percent).

For full rules and more information on Hard Rock Rising Tampa – Battle of the Bands, please visit TampaHardRock.com/Rising.

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About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is central Florida’s premier gaming, entertainment, and hospitality destination. Owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the fully integrated AAA Four-Diamond-rated resort features an expansive casino with nearly 5,230 of the hottest slot machines and over 165 table games, including live blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, and more. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of wagering at dozens of retail sports betting locations, with both electronic kiosks and staffed betting windows. A 46-table Poker Room, smoke-free Mezzanine Level Casino, as well as exclusive High-Limit and VIP areas complete the state-of-the-art gaming options. The luxury resort provides an elevated getaway experience with over 800 smoke-free guest rooms across two hotel towers, a sprawling 60,000-square-foot pool deck boasting three pools and 19 private cabanas, and more premium amenities such as the rejuvenating Rock Spa® & Salon. Guests can indulge in a diverse culinary scene spanning 15 food and beverage offerings, including the award-winning Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, The Rez Grill, Cipresso, and guest favorites Fresh Harvest Buffet and Hard Rock Cafe. Home to world-class entertainment, the resort showcases near-nightly live performances and a 1,500-seat Hard Rock Event Center hosting top-tier entertainers and musicians in an intimate, up-close atmosphere. The brand’s iconic music heritage is celebrated throughout the resort with unique memorabilia and artwork paying homage to some of the world's most renowned contemporary musical artists. As one of Tampa Bay’s largest employers with nearly 4,300 team members, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is conveniently located near the intersection of I-4 and I-75, at North Orient Road and Hillsborough Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Tampa. For more information, please call 866-502-PLAY, visit us online and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Hard Rock^®
Hard Rock International(HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 75 countries spanning more than 300 locations including owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity by Hard Rock™ global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide.

HRI has received numerous industry and destination awards across the travel, hospitality, gaming, entertainment and food & beverage sectors. HRI currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB-) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.