Hard Rock Casino Tejon Begins US$725 Million Expansion Project
United States.- 23 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Hard Rock International and the Tejon Indian Tribe have announced the start of a major expansion of Hard Rock Casino Tejon in Kern County, California, representing an investment exceeding US$725 million.
The development will transform the property into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon, a full-service resort combining gaming, hospitality, dining and entertainment.
A groundbreaking ceremony took place on 21 October 2026, attended by tribal leaders, Hard Rock executives, elected officials and project partners.
The expanded resort is expected to open in summer 2028.
New Hotel Featuring 406 Rooms
The centrepiece of the expansion will be a 406-room hotel, including 119 suites.
The development will introduce several new guest amenities:
- Two resort-style swimming pools, featuring cabanas and relaxation areas.
- Rock Spa, with 13 treatment rooms.
- Additional restaurants and bars.
- Convention and meeting facilities.
- Entertainment and special event spaces.
The objective is to position the property as a comprehensive tourism destination capable of attracting visitors from California and other parts of the United States.
Gaming Capacity to Reach 3,000 Slot Machines
The investment will also significantly expand the property’s gaming facilities.
The casino will add 900 slot machines, increasing its total capacity from 2,100 to 3,000 units.
Hard Rock Casino Tejon currently features approximately 150,000 square feet of gaming space and more than 60 table games.
The expansion will also introduce additional dining and hospitality options, including:
- Council Oak Steaks & Seafood.
- Two new dining outlets within The Marketplace.
- A new Center Bar.
These additions are intended to strengthen the property’s overall entertainment and hospitality offering.
More Than 1,500 Construction Jobs Expected
The development is also expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to the surrounding region.
According to Hard Rock International, the expansion will generate:
- More than 1,500 construction jobs during development.
- 350 additional permanent positions following completion.
- A total permanent workforce exceeding 1,700 employees.
The investment represents another significant economic development opportunity for Kern County and California’s southern San Joaquin Valley.
Comments from the Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock
Octavio Escobedo III, Chairman of the Tejon Indian Tribe, highlighted the project’s historical importance for his community.
He explained that the casino has already created employment opportunities and economic benefits for the tribe and surrounding communities.
The chairman also emphasised that the investment brings the tribe closer to its long-term ambition of establishing a world-class resort destination.
Meanwhile, Mike Bean, Property President of Hard Rock Casino Tejon, highlighted the progress achieved by the property during its first year of operation.
He said the addition of the hotel and resort amenities would enhance the guest experience and attract visitors from across California and beyond.
Casino Opened in November 2025
Hard Rock Casino Tejon originally opened in November 2025, on Tejon Indian tribal land in Mettler, California.
The property is located less than 15 miles south of Bakersfield and approximately 90 minutes north of Los Angeles.
Its strategic position near major transport routes is an important factor in the development of its tourism and entertainment offering.
Construction on the next phase will begin immediately following the groundbreaking ceremony.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
The expansion represents one of the region’s most significant investments in tourism and entertainment infrastructure.
With its new hotel, enhanced facilities and increased gaming capacity, Hard Rock aims to strengthen its position within the US tribal casino sector.
For the land-based gaming industry, the project highlights the growing importance of integrating casino gaming, hospitality, dining and entertainment within destination resorts.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon is scheduled to open its expanded facilities in summer 2028, with additional construction updates expected as development progresses.
Editó: @fonta
