SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Officials at a Sioux City casino estimate that more than 1,000 people applied for jobs at the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino during the first day of a job fair. The job fair began Wednesday and was continuing Thursday as the casino moves to hire more than 500 people before the $128.5 million operation opens August 1st.

Hard Rock human resources director Pat Lund told the Sioux City Journal the number of job seekers exceeded their expectations. No one will be hired during the job fair, which was designed to let candidates learn about the company, see what jobs are available and meet supervisors.

Lund says top prospects from the event will be invited back for interviews. Most of those hired will start work in mid-July.