Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International Break Ground on $725 Million Casino Expansion

The Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International have broken ground on the next phase of Hard Rock Casino Tejon, a more than $725 million investment that will transform the property into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon. Tribal leaders, Hard Rock executives, elected officials, community leaders and project partners gathered at the Mettler, California site to mark the occasion. The expansion follows the property’s opening in November 2025 and is expected to open in summer 2028.

Expansion Components

The project adds a 406-room hotel, including 119 suites, two resort-style pools with cabanas and daybeds, and a Rock Spa with 13 treatment rooms. It will bring 900 additional slot machines for a total of 3,000 slots. New offerings include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, two dining outlets in The Marketplace, a new Center Bar, and multi-use convention space with three smaller meeting rooms, pre-function area, and an outdoor event lawn.

As reported by Indian Gaming, Octavio Escobedo III, Chairman of the Tejon Indian Tribe, said: “Today marks another historic milestone for the Tejon Indian Tribe and the vision we have worked generations to achieve. Hard Rock Casino Tejon has already created jobs, opportunity, and economic benefits for our tribe and the surrounding community. This next investment builds upon that success and brings us closer to our long-term vision of creating a world-class resort destination that will serve our guests, strengthen our regional economy, and create opportunities for generations to come.”

Mike Bean, Property President of Hard Rock Casino Tejon, said: “This groundbreaking represents an exciting next chapter for Hard Rock Casino Tejon. In less than a year, this property has established itself as a premier gaming and entertainment destination in California. The addition of the hotel and these exceptional resort amenities will allow us to elevate the guest experience even further, attract visitors from across California and beyond, and create a true destination resort that reflects the energy, hospitality, and entertainment Hard Rock is known for around the world.”

Jobs and Construction Timeline

The development is expected to create more than 1,500 construction jobs and an additional 350 permanent positions, bringing the total to more than 1,700 permanent positions at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon. Construction began immediately after the groundbreaking, with further project milestones to be announced as development progresses.

The project stays grounded in the tribe’s documented vision for long-term economic development on tribal land less than 15 miles south of Bakersfield.

Reporting: Indian Gaming

Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.