BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 The grand opening of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon drew tens of thousands of visitors Thursday, overwhelming parking lots and forcing many guests to leave their cars in nearby fields, roads and residential areas.<\/p>\n
Casino officials said more than $1 million in jackpots were paid out during opening day, drawing crowds that packed the property\u2019s lots within hours. But the influx left some residents frustrated as cars clogged neighborhood streets and blocked driveways.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy car is trapped. I have somebody parked behind me,\u201d said guest Teri Cantrell, who described spending more time trying to leave the parking lot than inside the casino.<\/p>\n
Across the street, longtime Mettler resident Luis Miguel Mercado said the traffic and congestion were unlike anything he has seen in his 35 years living in the area.<\/p>\n
\u201cNobody expected that. I didn’t expect that,\u201d Mercado said. \u201cI thought they would have at least enough parking spaces to handle their people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mercado said cars were \u201czipping through\u201d the neighborhood throughout the evening, creating safety concerns for residents. He worries future expansions \u2014 including a hotel and live entertainment venue \u2014 could bring even larger crowds unless more parking is added.<\/p>\n
Casino officials acknowledged the issues, saying plans are underway to build overflow parking to help prevent similar problems during major events.<\/p>\n
Mercado said he supports the project\u2019s potential benefits for the community but hopes the opening day gridlock doesn\u2019t become routine.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s good. I’m happy for it,\u201d he said. \u201cJust hoping it doesn’t happen again\u2026 extend that parking lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Hard Rock Tejon location is now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.<\/p>\n
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