Hard Rock International and the Tejon Indian Tribe held a grand opening ceremony for the new Hard Rock Casino Tejon property on November 13, featuring a celebratory guitar smash, Tribal blessing and $100,000 charitable donation prior to doors being opened to the public.
"Hard Rock Casino Tejon is only the beginning," Hard Rock International Chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen said.
"Phase II will bring the full Hard Rock experience to life with a world-class hotel and Hard Rock Live entertainment venue that will make Kern County a premier destination for travelers, artists and fans from across California and beyond."
The $600m project created over 1,000 permanent jobs and more than 5,000 construction-related positions for locals, representing the largest private hospitality investment in Kern County.
Hard Rock Casino Tejon will feature 150,000 sq ft of casino space, including more than 2,000 slot machines, over 50 table games and VIP high-limit rooms.
"Today is a historic day for the Tejon Indian Tribe and for Kern County," Tejon Indian Tribe Chairman Octavio Escobedo III said.
"This destination represents our Tribe's vision, resilience and longstanding commitment to creating opportunity for future generations. We are proud to see this project come to life and to celebrate this moment alongside our partners and our community."
The property also hopes to provide "lasting benefits" for the local economy in Kern County, California, tourism sector and community development across the southern San Joaquin Valley.
Phase two of Hard Rock Casino Tejon will introduce a 400-room hotel tower and 2,800-seat Hard Rock Live entertainment venue for the purpose of hosting concerts, performances and sporting events.
Included within the grand opening ceremony was an exclusive performance by acclaimed country artist Brett Young, as well as first slot pull and table bet opportunities for attendees.
Hard Rock and New York Mets Owner Steve Cohen's bid for a hotel casino to be built in Queens was unanimously approved by the New York Community Advisory Committee on September 30
