The Hard Rock Casino Tejon opened its doors to the public for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the Tejon Indian Tribe and the Kern County region. The grand opening featured entertainment, including guitar smashing, as crowds filled the expansive gaming area.
Octavio Escobedo, a representative of the tribe, described the event as “not just a grand opening” but “a historic moment for our tribe, our partners and for this entire region.”
The casino’s opening was made possible by Senate Bill 910, which ratified the gaming compact between the Tejon Indian Tribe and California.
Senator Melissa Hurtado, who authored the bill, expressed pride in the occasion, stating, “This is the first and only recognized tribe in Kern County, they’re finally being seen. It’s an opportunity not just for the tribe, but also for the entire region.”
Visitors began lining up more than two hours before the casino opened at noon.
A large group of people wait for the Hard Rock Casino Tejon to open on Thursday.{ }(Steve Virgen, KBAK/KBFX)
Timothy Hernandez, who attended for the food rather than gambling, remarked on the atmosphere, saying, “You can feel everybody’s excitement. It’s hard to explain. It’s like going to Magic Mountain for the first time.”
Mary Burden, another attendee, appreciated the casino’s size and brightness, noting, “I like all the parking. I like how big it is and how bright it is. You can see what you’re doing and where you’re walking. It’s good for us.”
The opening ceremony also included a philanthropic gesture, with the Hard Rock Casino Tejon donating $100,000 to local organizations. The casino, part of a $6 million project, boasts a gaming space covering 150,000 square feet, over 2,000 slot machines, and a variety of food options. It is now open 24-7. The second phase of the project will feature a 400-room hotel and a concert venue, to be completed at a later date.