Hard Rock Tejon Starts $725M-Plus California Expansion

The Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International have broken ground on a more than $725 million expansion of Hard Rock Casino Tejon, adding a hotel and resort amenities to the Kern County property.

According to Yogonet, construction is beginning immediately after the ceremony. The partners anticipate opening the expanded property in summer 2028 under the name Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon.

The casino sits on Tejon Indian tribal land in Mettler, less than 15 miles south of Bakersfield. The new phase follows its November 2025 opening.

Tejon expansion adds 406 hotel rooms and 900 slots

The planned hotel will have 406 rooms, including 119 suites. The expansion will also add 900 slot machines, bringing the property’s total to 3,000.

Other additions include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, two dining outlets in The Marketplace and a new Center Bar.

The resort plans also call for:

Multi-use convention and event space, with three smaller meeting and conference rooms, pre-function space and an outdoor event lawn.
Two resort-style pools with cabanas and daybeds.
A Rock Spa with 13 treatment rooms.

Property President Mike Bean said the hotel and amenities would allow the casino to expand its guest experience and attract visitors from across California and beyond.

Project expected to add 350 permanent jobs

The development is expected to generate more than 1,500 construction jobs. Once the hotel and amenities open, the property expects to add 350 permanent positions, bringing its total permanent workforce to more than 1,700.

“Today marks another historic milestone for the Tejon Indian Tribe and the vision we have worked generations to achieve,” said tribal Chairman Octavio Escobedo III.

Escobedo said the investment builds on the casino’s existing jobs and economic benefits for the tribe and surrounding community.

The hotel and expanded amenities are anticipated to open in summer 2028; that timing remains a projection rather than a confirmed opening date.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the California Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), 24/7.

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Source: As reported by Yogonet.