METTLER, CA – 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 property to mark the start of construction. The expansion will add a 406-room hotel, expanded gaming, new dining and entertainment offerings, convention and meeting space, resort-style pools and a full-service Rock Spa. The project is expected to open in summer 2028.
“Today marks another historic milestone for the Tejon Indian Tribe and the vision we have worked generations to achieve,” said Octavio Escobedo III, Chairman of the Tejon Indian Tribe. “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.”
The new hotel will feature 406 rooms, including 119 suites, along with two resort-style pools with cabanas and daybeds and a Rock Spa with 13 treatment rooms. The expansion will also add 900 slot machines, bringing the property to 3,000 slots, as well as Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, two additional dining outlets in The Marketplace and a new Center Bar.
Plans also include multi-use convention and event space with three smaller meeting and conference rooms, pre-function space and an outdoor event lawn.
“This groundbreaking represents an exciting next chapter for Hard Rock Casino Tejon,” said Mike Bean, Property President of 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.”
The project is expected to create more than 1,500 construction jobs during development and an additional 350 permanent positions, bringing Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon to more than 1,700 permanent positions.
The expansion follows the opening of Hard Rock Casino Tejon in November 2025. The property is located on Tejon Indian tribal land in Mettler, less than 15 miles south of Bakersfield.
Construction on the expansion is beginning immediately following the groundbreaking, with additional project and construction milestones to be announced as development progresses.