Published on: October 3, 2025, 09:39h.
Updated on: October 3, 2025, 09:45h.
- Scheduled Opening of Hard Rock Casino Tejon in November 2025
- The $600 million venture is backed by the Seminole Tribe of Florida along with the Tejon Indian Tribe
Excitement builds for the launch of Hard Rock Casino Tejon, a $600 million initiative by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Tejon Indian Tribe.
Situated about 15 miles south of Bakersfield, Hard Rock Casino Tejon will open its doors on November 13, 2025. Located at the base of the historic Grapevine Mountain Pass, the 150,000-square-foot casino on Tejon Indian land will feature over 2,000 slot machines and 50 live dealer tables.
“We are thrilled to introduce our renowned brand to Kern County and appreciate our collaboration with the Tejon Indian Tribe,” stated Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming. “Hard Rock Casino Tejon is poised to redefine entertainment in the area, fusing our exceptional hospitality with the tribe’s inspiring vision for cultural and economic advancement.”
Octavio Escobedo, III, the chair of the Tejon Tribe, emphasized that November 13 will symbolize a “historic moment for the Tejon Indian Tribe and the entire Kern County community.”
“The launch of Hard Rock Casino Tejon is more than just a celebration of our Tribe’s heritage and resilience; it signifies a major step towards creating opportunities and prosperity for future generations. This development will generate thousands of jobs, stimulate economic growth, and serve as a hub where culture, entertainment, and community unite,” remarked Escobedo.
A Ten-Year Journey
The Tejon Indian Tribe had been advocating for Cass III gaming rights for almost ten years when Governor Gavin Newsom (D) consented in June 2022 to a revenue-sharing agreement with the federally recognized Tribes, enabling slot machines and table games. This agreement coincided with the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs placing the tribe’s 320 acres into federal trust, marking the land as sovereign territory.
In addition to the casino, Hard Rock Tejon will offer a Hard Rock Café, Deep Cut Steaks and Seafood, and YOUYU Noodle Bar. A Hard Rock Shop will be available for guests to purchase merchandise.
As declared by Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminoles, the launch of Hard Rock Casino Tejon has resulted in the creation of 1,000 permanent jobs. The November opening follows nearly two years after the groundbreaking in December 2023.
Expanding Westward
The Seminoles and Hard Rock are actively investing in the western United States. In addition to Tejon, the tribe is currently constructing a more than $4 billion project on the Las Vegas Strip that will transform the former Mirage into a guitar-shaped Hard Rock resort.
Lastly, Hard Rock unveiled a $300 million casino in Northern Indiana in 2021, with plans announced in August for a $100 million convention center expansion.
However, their focus is not solely in the West; Hard Rock is also vying for one of the three downstate New York casino licenses. Partnering with billionaire Steve Cohen, Hard Rock aims to establish a Las Vegas-style resort at Citi Field Ballpark, which serves as the home for the MLB New York Mets.