Hard Rock Casino Tejon Opens In California

A new rush of energy hit Kern County as Hard Rock Casino Tejon opened its doors after a lively Guitar Smash ceremony that drew a large crowd and strong community support. The project stands as a milestone for the Tejon Indian Tribe and brings a new entertainment anchor to the Southern San Joaquin Valley.

Good to Know

• Project cost reached 600 million dollars
• More than 1,000 permanent jobs were created
• A 400-room hotel and Hard Rock Live venue arrive in the next development phase

A Landmark Opening For Kern County And The Tejon Indian Tribe

Hard Rock International built the new resort in partnership with the Tejon Indian Tribe, marking the largest private hospitality investment in county history. The casino sits about 80 miles north of Los Angeles and becomes the regions first full-scale gaming and entertainment site.

The 150,000-square-foot gaming floor offers more than 2,000 slot machines, over 50 table games such as Blackjack, Ultimate Texas Holdem, Three Card Poker, and Baccarat, along with high-limit rooms and access to Unity by Hard Rock, the global loyalty program.

Dining plays a major role in the new property. Hard Rock Cafe brings its classic menu and memorabilia, while Marketplace Food Hall serves Constant Grind, Street Tacos, The Roost, and Brickd Italian Kitchen. New concepts include Deep Cut Steaks Seafood with live entertainment and YouYu, which features Asian cuisine influenced by Mandarin, Cantonese, Szechuan, and Vietnamese flavors.

Opening day featured a tribal blessing, color guard presentation, a 100,000 dollar donation, and a performance by Brett Young. His appearance marked the first live show at Hard Rock Casino Tejon. Guests also enjoyed the first slot pull, table bets, food tastings, and tours.

Chairman Octavio Escobedo III said:

“Today is a historic day for the Tejon Indian Tribe and for Kern County. This destination represents our Tribe vision, resilience, and longstanding commitment to creating opportunity for future generations.”

Escobedo told the Los Angeles Times that Hard Rock International appealed to the Tejon tribe partly because the company is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Federal recognition for the Tejon tribe came only in 2011, making the casino a major step toward financial sovereignty and future community development for its 1,523 enrolled members.

Hard Rock International plans a second phase featuring a 400-room hotel and Hard Rock Live, a 2,800-seat venue set for concerts, sports, and touring acts. Jim Allen said:

“Hard Rock Casino Tejon is only the beginning. Phase II will bring the full Hard Rock experience to life with a world-class hotel and Hard Rock Live entertainment venue that will make Kern County a premier destination for travelers, artists, and fans from across California and beyond.”

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