Hard Rock Casino Tejon launches $725m expansion with 406-room hotel
The investment adds 900 slot machines and a spa; opening targeted for summer 2028.
Key Takeaways
- The Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International launched a more than $725 million expansion to create Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon.
- The project will add 406 hotel rooms, including 119 suites, and 900 slot machines, raising the total to 3,000 slots.
- Opening is targeted for summer 2028 and construction began immediately after the 22 October 2026 ground‑breaking ceremony.
- The build will create more than 1,500 construction jobs and the resort will add 350 permanent roles, surpassing 1,700 permanent jobs in total.
The Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International began construction on the next phase of Hard Rock Casino Tejon, an investment of more than $725 million that will transform the property into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon. The project, announced on 22 October 2026, will add a 406-room hotel, 900 additional slot machines and a range of resort amenities, with opening expected in summer 2028.
What the expansion includes
The development incorporates the main elements listed by the promoters:
406 hotel rooms, including 119 suites
900 additional slot machines, bringing the resort total to 3,000 slot machines
Multipurpose space for conventions and events, with three smaller meeting rooms, pre-function space and an outdoor lawn for events
Two resort-style pools with cabanas and daybeds
Rock Spa with 13 treatment rooms
The hotel and the new food-and-beverage and entertainment offerings will complement the property’s existing gaming and leisure amenities.
Employment and schedule
Construction will create more than 1,500 construction jobs during development. After opening, the resort will add 350 additional permanent jobs, bringing the total to more than 1,700 permanent jobs at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon.
The ground‑breaking ceremony brought together tribal leaders, Hard Rock executives, elected officials, community leaders and project partners. Construction begins immediately after the event and the target opening date is summer 2028.
Location and background
Hard Rock Casino Tejon sits on tribal lands of the Tejon Indian Tribe in Mettler, less than 15 miles south of Bakersfield. The complex originally opened as Hard Rock Casino Tejon in November 2025 and, according to the promoters, has quickly become a major destination for Kern County and the southern San Joaquin Valley region.
“Today marks another historic milestone for the Tejon Indian Tribe and the vision generations have worked to achieve,” said Octavio Escobedo III, Chairman of the Tejon Indian Tribe.
“In less than a year, this property has established itself as a top gaming and entertainment destination in California,” added Mike Bean, Property President of Hard Rock Casino Tejon.
Industry link
The project is a partnership between the Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International and will represent continued investment in tourism and economic activity in Kern County and the southern San Joaquin Valley. The expansion also creates new capacity for meetings and events that could attract visitors from across California and beyond.
Hard Rock Casino Tejon and the new Hard Rock Hotel will be integrated within the resort; vendors and industry partners can follow project details in the [b2b](/b2b) section b2b.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will the Hard Rock Casino Tejon expansion cost?
The expansion will cost more than $725 million, a figure announced by the Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International at the start of construction.
How many rooms and suites will the new hotel add?
The project will add 406 hotel rooms, including 119 suites, as part of the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon.
When will the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon open?
The opening is scheduled for summer 2028; construction began immediately after the ground‑breaking ceremony held on 22 October 2026.
How many slot machines will the resort have after the expansion?
The complex will add 900 slot machines, bringing the total to 3,000 slot machines at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon.
What employment impact will construction and operation have?
Construction will create more than 1,500 construction jobs and the resort will add 350 permanent positions, bringing the total permanent workforce to more than 1,700 roles.
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About the author
Alejandro Vidal
Casino Correspondent
Alejandro Vidal covers the online casino business — slot and live-table debuts, game mechanics, certifications, and the distribution deals that carry each title into regulated lobbies. The reports open with the launch or the deal, name studios, titles, and markets precisely, and avoid promotional language. When a studio redefines a mechanic or an operator signs an exclusive, Alejandro Vidal explains what changes for the player and the market.
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