Hard Rock International and the Tejon Indian Tribe celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for the highly anticipated Hard Rock Tejon, a monumental casino project in Kern County, California. The event, attended by Hard Rock representatives, Tejon Indian Tribe leaders, local community figures, and statewide leaders, marked the commencement of a project set to transform the region’s entertainment landscape.
Job Creation and Economic Impact:
The Hard Rock Tejon project is poised to generate substantial economic benefits, starting with the creation of 2,000 construction-specific jobs. Managed by southern California’s Penta Building Group, the venture is expected to result in approximately 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, encompassing both full-time and part-time positions, once both construction phases are completed.
Facility Overview:
With a staggering $600 million investment, Hard Rock Tejon will boast a 166,500-square-foot gaming floor, a striking 400-room, 11-story hotel, convention spaces, an event center, and a signature restaurant. The development signifies a significant expansion of the entertainment and hospitality offerings in the West Coast portfolio.
Land Placement Agreement:
The groundbreaking follows a pivotal agreement in 2022 when the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs designated 320 acres of land near the junction of Highway 99 and 166 into Federal Trust. This crucial step allowed the state to enter into a Class III gaming compact with the Tejon Tribe and Hard Rock International, paving the way for the casino project.
Leadership Statements:
Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International, expressed pride in the collaboration with the Tejon Indian Tribe, emphasizing the commitment to creating a world-class entertainment destination. Octavio Escobedo, III, Chair of the Tejon Indian Tribe, underscored the historic significance of the groundbreaking, highlighting the Tribe’s determination to achieve self-determination through economic development.
Community Support and Gratitude:
Escobedo extended gratitude to local community support, Kern County government, the California State Legislature, federal representatives in Washington DC, and Governor Gavin Newsom. He acknowledged the support of various organizations, including SSCR LLC, Hard Rock International, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, for their role in realizing the Tribe’s dream of restoring its land base.
The groundbreaking of Hard Rock Tejon signifies a major milestone in the economic development of Kern County and the realization of the Tejon Indian Tribe’s long-standing vision. As construction progresses, the project is expected to leave a lasting positive impact on the community and contribute significantly to the State of California’s economic growth. Hard Rock Tejon emerges as a symbol of collaboration, economic empowerment, and the fulfillment of a historic dream for the Tejon Indian Tribe.