Hard Rock Casino Tejon officially broke ground on a new $725m expansion project for the Tribal property, less than 12 months after the operator originally debuted the gaming establishment for southern California residents.
Property President Mike Bean, who took over the role on September 29, spoke on the ceremony and what the new expansion will mean for the local community: "This groundbreaking represents an exciting next chapter for Hard Rock Casino Tejon.
"The addition of the hotel and these exceptional resort amenities will allow us to elevate the guest experience even further, attract visitors from across California and beyond and create a true destination resort that reflects the energy, hospitality and entertainment Hard Rock is known for around the world."
The summer 2028 expansion will add 900 slot machines to Hard Rock Casino Tejon’s commercial portfolio, as well as 406 hotel rooms, convention and meeting space and two resort-style pools.
The project is expected to provide over 1,500 construction jobs to the local area and 350 permanent roles once completed, as Hard Rock Casino Tejon currently rests on Tejon Indian Tribal land in California.
"Today marks another historic milestone for the Tejon Indian Tribe and the vision we have worked generations to achieve," Tejon Indian Tribe Chairman Octavio Escobedo III said.
"Hard Rock Casino Tejon has already created jobs, opportunity and economic benefits for our Tribe and the surrounding community. This next investment builds upon that success and brings us closer to our long-term vision of creating a world-class resort destination that will serve our guests, strengthen our regional economy and create opportunities for generations to come."
Former Hard Rock Casino Tejon President Chris Kelley was recently named as Jamul Casino Resort’s first-ever CEO, where he will oversee operations, strategic growth and work with the Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation to forge economic and Tribal interests.
Kelley assumed the leadership position with Jamul Casino Resort following the resignation of former President & GM Mary Cheeks in August, who led the California gaming property for over eight years.
Anthony Colacurcio was appointed as Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City’s new VP of Marketing on October 20, having been with the property since it first opened in January 2018
