The Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International broke ground Wednesday, Oct. 21, on an expansion Hard Rock describes as an investment of more than $725 million, adding hotel and gaming capacity in Mettler, California.
The company expects the expanded property to open in summer 2028. It forecasts more than 1,500 construction jobs during development and 350 additional permanent positions after completion. Hard Rock said those positions would bring the casino’s permanent workforce to more than 1,700. The company has not announced a specific opening date.
Plans call for a 406-room hotel, including 119 suites. The casino would add 900 slot machines, taking its total from 2,100 to 3,000, Hard Rock said. Other additions include two resort-style pools, a Rock Spa with 13 treatment rooms, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, two Marketplace dining outlets, a Center Bar, and convention and event space.
Hard Rock says the project is intended to improve the guest experience. Hard Rock Casino Tejon Property President Mike Bean said the hotel and resort features are intended to “attract visitors from across California and beyond.” Tejon Indian Tribe Chairman Octavio Escobedo III said the expansion is intended to strengthen the regional economy.
The casino opened to the public in November 2025 on Tejon Indian tribal land in Mettler, less than 15 miles south of Bakersfield, Hard Rock said. The company’s opening announcement described the planned Phase II hotel as having 400 rooms; its latest announcement specifies 406 rooms, including 119 suites. Hard Rock also described the original development as a $600 million, multi-phase investment.
At the groundbreaking, Escobedo said, “This next investment builds upon that success.” Hard Rock says it plans to provide project updates as development continues.
