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Hard Rock Casino Tejon Opens Near Bakersfield, Unveiling $600 Million Tribal Gaming Destination

Tribal ownership under Hard Rock management signals a jobs-focused anchor for Kern County.

Overview

  • The property debuts 150,000 square feet of gaming with more than 2,000 slot machines and roughly 58 table games, placing it among Southern California’s largest casinos.
  • The venue is owned by the Tejon Indian Tribe and operated by Hard Rock International, whose Seminole Tribe ownership influenced the partnership.
  • Developers report more than 5,000 construction roles and about 1,000 permanent jobs, with privately funded local infrastructure improvements committed.
  • Phase II plans include a 400-room hotel, spa, and a 2,800-seat Hard Rock Live venue, with no schedule announced.
  • The opening south of Bakersfield featured a Guitar Smash ceremony, a tribal blessing, a $100,000 charitable donation, and an exclusive Brett Young performance before doors opened at noon.