More than $725 million invested in creating an integrated destination
Less than a year after the opening of Hard Rock Casino Tejon in November 2025, the Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International have embarked on a new development phase at their property in Mettler, Kern County, south of Bakersfield.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on 21 October 2026, attended by tribal representatives, Hard Rock executives, elected officials and project partners.
According to the official announcement, this new phase represents an investment of more than US$725 million.
It is designed to transform the existing casino into an integrated tourism and entertainment destination combining hotel accommodation, dining, gaming, business events and leisure facilities.
The completed property will operate as Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon, with an anticipated opening in summer 2028.
A 406-room hotel, including 119 suites
The centrepiece of the development will be a 406-room Hard Rock Hotel, including 119 suites.
The property will offer several accommodation categories, including rooms with king-size beds or two queen-size beds.
The project will also include:
- Two resort-style swimming pools, with cabanas and sun loungers.
- A Rock Spa®, featuring 13 treatment rooms.
- New restaurants and bars.
- Facilities dedicated to conventions, meetings and events.
The objective is to complement the existing casino operation with an accommodation offering that encourages longer visits and attracts a broader customer base beyond gaming guests.
The addition of hotel accommodation therefore represents a decisive step in the evolution of the property’s business model.
Gaming, dining and events: Diversifying the offering
The development programme includes a substantial increase in gaming capacity.
900 additional slot machines will be installed, bringing the total to 3,000.
The food and beverage offering will also be expanded with the introduction of Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, two new dining outlets within The Marketplace and a new Center Bar.
The project will also feature a multi-purpose convention and event venue, incorporating three smaller meeting and conference rooms, pre-function areas and an outdoor event lawn.
This diversification is intended to enable the property to attract several customer segments, including leisure travellers, short-stay guests, groups, event attendees and business meetings.
More than 1,500 construction jobs expected
According to the developers, construction is expected to generate more than 1,500 jobs.
Once the development is completed, approximately 350 additional permanent positions are expected to be created, bringing the total workforce at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon to more than 1,700 employees.
For Octavio Escobedo III, Chairman of the Tejon Indian Tribe, the new development phase forms part of a long-term economic development strategy.
He emphasises that the property has already helped create jobs and new opportunities for the tribe and surrounding communities.
The hotel investment is expected to reinforce this momentum while strengthening the tourism positioning of Kern County and the southern San Joaquin Valley.
A casino operating since November 2025
Hard Rock Casino Tejon opened in November 2025 on Tejon tribal land in Mettler, less than 15 miles south of Bakersfield.
Located near Interstate 5, approximately 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, the property benefits from a position along a major transport corridor connecting Southern California with the Central Valley.
The existing casino features approximately 150,000 square feet of gaming space, equivalent to around 13,935 sqm, together with 2,100 slot machines and more than 60 gaming tables.
It already offers several dining concepts, including Hard Rock Cafe, The Marketplace, Deep Cut Steak | Seafood and YouYu.
Mike Bean, President of Hard Rock Casino Tejon, believes the addition of the hotel and new facilities will attract visitors from across California and other markets, while transforming the property into a genuine destination resort.
LTH Analysis | From casino operations to an integrated resort model
This development illustrates a revenue diversification strategy of particular significance in casino-related hospitality.
Opened in November 2025, Hard Rock Casino Tejon already has a substantial gaming operation. The announced investment now aims to broaden its business model through accommodation, dining, events and wellness.
The 406 rooms are therefore not a standalone hotel project, but one component of an overall investment exceeding US$725 million.
The combination of 119 suites, event facilities and leisure amenities is intended to increase visitor spending and extend the length of stays.
The challenge will be to convert demand primarily driven by the casino into a more diversified tourism and hotel customer base.
The future resort’s performance will depend in particular on its ability to attract guests from beyond its regional catchment area while controlling the operating costs associated with an integrated destination.
At a Glance
Project: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon.
Location: Mettler, Kern County, California, USA.
Partners: Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International.
Investment: More than US$725 million.
Groundbreaking: 21 October 2026.
Expected opening: Summer 2028.
Hotel capacity: 406 rooms, including 119 suites.
Gaming: 900 additional slot machines, bringing the total to 3,000.
Food & beverage: Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, two additional Marketplace outlets and a new Center Bar.
Meetings & events: Multi-purpose convention facilities, meeting rooms and outdoor event space.
Wellness: Two resort-style pools and a Rock Spa with 13 treatment rooms.
Employment: More than 1,500 construction jobs and approximately 350 additional permanent positions.
Existing casino opening: November 2025.
LTH perspective: Transformation of a regional casino into an integrated hospitality and entertainment destination.
