Chavdar Vasilev is a journalist covering the casino and sports betting market sectors for CasinoBeats. He joined CasinoBeats in May 2025 and reports on industry-shaping stories across the US and beyond, including legislative debates, market...
Read Full BioHard Rock International and the Tejon Indian Tribe have confirmed that Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon will officially open on November 13, 2025.
Vision & Scale
The $600 million property will feature 150,000 square feet of gaming space. That includes over 2,000 slot machines and 58 table games. Additionally, it will have multiple dining venues, including a Hard Rock Café. Furthermore, it has a 2,700-seat Hard Rock Live entertainment venue.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon is situated on tribal land near Mettler, approximately 15 miles south of Bakersfield. It will be the second-closest full-scale casino to Los Angeles. California Governor Gavin Newsom approved the project’s tribal-state gaming compact in 2022.
In a press release, Tejon Indian Tribe Chairwoman Octavio Escobedo III said, “This is a historic milestone for the Tejon Indian Tribe and our people. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon will create thousands of jobs and provide significant economic benefits for our community, while allowing us to preserve our cultural heritage.”
Hard Rock International COO Jon Lucas added, “We are proud to partner with the Tejon Indian Tribe on this incredible project. This will be a premier entertainment destination and a true showcase of the Hard Rock brand in California.”
Hard Rock Casino Tejon has also pledged infrastructure updates in the surrounding areas at no cost to taxpayers.
Timeline & Community Engagement
Key milestones included a groundbreaking ceremony in December 2023 and a topping-off ceremony in October 2024.
Hard Rock appointed Chris Kelley as President of Hard Rock Casino Tejon in late 2024. He previously held leadership roles at MGM Resorts and Viejas Casino & Resort. Lucas said Kelley’s “innovative and extensive background in finance and operations” will drive “continued growth and excellence” for Hard Rock’s leadership.
In April 2025, Hard Rock hosted sessions to highlight employment and vendor opportunities. The project has generated about 4,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent positions.
Lucas emphasized in the press release, “As we approach the grand opening, we remain committed to delivering a world-class entertainment experience while honoring the rich culture of the Tejon Indian Tribe.”
Hard Rock’s Recent Expansion
The Tejon opening is part of Hard Rock’s broader North American growth strategy. Recent milestones include:
- Hard Rock Casino Rockford (Illinois): Opened August 2024; hotel construction planned.
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol (Virginia): Permanent location opened November 2024; temporary casino launched July 2022 as Virginia’s first casino.
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa (Canada): Opened July 2025; the first Hard Rock-branded casino in Canada.
- Hard Rock Las Vegas (formerly The Mirage): Undergoing transformation into a Guitar Hotel; opening planned for 2027.
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Kenosha (Wisconsin): Construction expected to begin in 2026, with completion in 2027 or 2028.
With the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon, the company now operates three properties in California, including Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain and Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego.
The addition of Tejon strengthens Hard Rock’s presence in California. In the state, tribal gaming is a dominant force. At the same time, its proximity to Los Angeles provides the operator with a gateway to one of the largest entertainment markets in the US.
