Hard Rock Casino Tejon is moving ahead with a major expansion that will add a hotel, more gaming options and new resort amenities to the Kern County property.
The Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International held a groundbreaking ceremony this week for the project, which represents an investment of more than $725 million. The expansion is expected to open in summer 2028 and will transform the property into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon.
The second phase comes less than a year after the casino opened in November 2025. It's located on Tejon Indian tribal land in Mettler, south of Bakersfield. The property is expanding beyond its casino business to accommodate overnight guests, meetings and resort stays.
Hard Rock Casino Tejon Expansion Adds Hotel
A 406-room hotel will anchor the expansion, giving visitors an on-site place to stay. The hotel will include 119 suites, along with king and double-queen accommodations.
The project also includes two resort-style pools with cabanas and daybeds. A full-service Rock Spa will feature 13 treatment rooms, adding another option for guests outside the gaming floor.
Together, these additions will give the Hard Rock Casino property more ways to serve visitors planning a weekend trip or a longer stay. Property President Mike Bean said the hotel and resort amenities are intended to attract guests from across California and beyond.
More Slot Machines, Restaurants and a New Bar
The gaming expansion will add 900 slot machines, bringing the property’s total to about 3,000.
- New food and beverage options will include:
- Council Oak Steaks & Seafood.
- Two additional dining outlets in The Marketplace.
- A new Center Bar.
These additions are part of a broader effort to expand the property’s dining, gaming and entertainment offerings alongside the hotel.
Meeting Space Will Broaden the Resort’s Reach
Hard Rock Casino Tejon also plans to add multi-use convention and event space. The announced features include three smaller meeting and conference rooms, pre-function areas and an outdoor event lawn.
The meeting facilities will add another use for the property beyond casino visits. With hotel rooms, restaurants and event space planned for the same site, the expansion will allow the resort to accommodate both overnight travelers and organized gatherings.
Earlier reporting described a potential 2,800-seat entertainment venue as part of the second-phase vision. However, the latest groundbreaking announcement does not specify a theater capacity.
Project Expected to Create More Than 1,500 Construction Jobs
The Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International expect the development to create more than 1,500 construction jobs. Once the expansion opens, the property is expected to add approximately 350 permanent positions, bringing its total permanent workforce to more than 1,700.
Tribal leaders, Hard Rock executives, elected officials, community representatives and project partners attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
For the tribe, the project continues a long-term effort to build a resort destination while creating jobs and economic opportunities. In the announcement, tribal leadership described the expansion as another investment in the tribe and the surrounding community.
blackjack/online-blackjack-tips">
When Will the Hard Rock Casino Tejon Expansion Open?
The current target is summer 2028. Hard Rock said construction would begin immediately.
That schedule remains a target rather than a confirmed opening date.
The second phase marks a significant change for Hard Rock Casino Tejon: a casino that opened in 2025 is now building the lodging, meeting space and leisure amenities needed to become a full-service resort.
Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC. All Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credits. $10+ deposit required for 500 Bonus Spins for Cash Eruption™ only. Up to $1,000 back in casino bonus if player has net loss on slots after first 24 hours. Casino Bonus credit has a 1x wager requirement. Must be 21+ and present in MI or NJ to play. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER.
