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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon, a long-anticipated partnership between the Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International, will officially open Nov. 13, 2025, south of Bakersfield.
The casino marks one of the largest tribal economic development projects in Central California and represents a major milestone for the Tejon Tribe, which regained federal recognition in 2012 after decades without land.
“This project is a foundation for our future and a transformative investment for Kern County,” tribal leaders have said in public filings and statements.
The road to Hard Rock Tejon
The resort was first announced in 2019 as a roughly $600 million project. In 2021, the US Department of the Interior placed about 320 acres into trust for the Tribe, and California lawmakers approved the tribal-state gaming compact in 2022.
The Tribe also signed a long-term agreement with Kern County valued at about $200 million over 20 years for law enforcement, fire protection and infrastructure services.
Construction began shortly after approvals were finalized.
Casino, cuisine, culture: What to expect in phase 1
The Nov. 13 opening completes the first phase of the new Hard Rock Casino, which features:
- 2,500 slot machines
- 50 table games
- Seven restaurants and bars, including an upscale steakhouse and a Hard Rock Cafe
- Tribal and regional cultural elements throughout the property
The resort is located near Highway 99 and State Route 166, about 15 miles south of Bakersfield.
Phase two adds hotel, theater, luxury amenities by 2027
A second phase will begin soon after opening and will include:
- A 400-room hotel with a spa and pool
- Additional gaming space with 500 more slot machines
- A 2,800-seat Hard Rock Live entertainment theater
- A cigar lounge
- Six more restaurants, including fine-dining options
Phase 2 construction is projected to take about 20 months and wrap up in late 2027.
Hard Rock Tejon’s projected impact on Kern County
The tribal gaming development is expected to significantly benefit Kern County’s economy, which has been diversifying beyond oil and agriculture.
Economic impact snapshot
- Project cost: approximately $600 million
- Construction jobs: about 3,974
- Permanent jobs: about 3,594
- Long-term employment supported: up to 5,000 total jobs
- Local/county funding commitment: about $200 million over 20 years
Local business leaders have called the project a “regional tourism anchor” expected to draw visitors from Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Fresno and beyond.
The Tejon Tribe’s journey to economic empowerment
The Tejon Tribe’s ancestors lived throughout the southern San Joaquin Valley and Tehachapi Mountains. After decades without federal status or land, federal recognition was reaffirmed in 2012.
Tribal background
- Federal recognition reaffirmed: 2012
- Homeland area: Kern County and Tehachapi region
- Casino site: 306-acre trust parcel near Mettler
- Tribe expanding housing, health and education programs
The casino is expected to generate revenue for tribal government operations and community services.
New era of entertainment in southern Kern County
Hard Rock, which partners with more than a dozen tribes nationwide, said the Tejon resort will emphasize live entertainment, dining and hospitality to create a destination for both local guests and travelers.
With final construction underway, the Tejon Tribe and Hard Rock are preparing for a grand opening the region has awaited for years.
Grand Opening: Nov. 13, 2025
