TEJON, CA – A topping off ceremony was held at the site of the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon, scheduled to open in late 2025.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon will span more than 700,000 sq. ft. of which 150,000 sq. ft. will be gaming space. The property will feature 3,000 slots, 48 table games, and video poker, and will be the second closest Class III casino to Los Angeles, less than an hour away. Multiple dining options, including a signature Hard Rock Cafe and fine dining restaurant – Council Oak Steaks and Seafood – will be included in Phase I. The second phase will include a 400-room hotel, additional fine dining, pool, spa, cigar lounge and 2,800-seat Hard Rock Live event venue drawing concert performances, comedy acts and sporting events. Additionally, Hard Rock’s signature memorabilia will be on display throughout the property. The anticipated completion date of Phase I remains the end of 2025. Phase II is expected to be another 20 months and will complete the entire hotel and casino.
The project is expected to create approximately 2,000 construction-specific jobs and will be managed by the Penta Building Group. Once both phases are completed, the project is expected to create approximately 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, both full-time and part-time.
In a symbolic ceremony, construction team members hoisted the final steel beam and secured it to the top of the structure, marking a significant milestone. The long-standing custom, attributed to the ancient Scandinavian ritual of placing a tree on the top of a newly completed building, celebrates the construction efforts and crews that are involved with the project.
The beam itself was transported to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon project for current team members to have the chance to sign it to share in the celebration. The on-site construction teams also had the opportunity to leave their signatures on the beam, as a representation of their individual efforts on the project.
“The topping off ceremony represents the completion of a building’s structure, but it also symbolizes much more; it signifies the strength of teamwork, the foundation of future growth, and the community impact this project will have,” said Octavio Escobedo III, Chairman of the Tejon Tribe. “We look forward to the grand opening in 2025. I also want to thank all the hard-working team members on the construction side who have made our project a success and for your efforts in building a world class project in Kern County.”
“Today marks a significant milestone as we place the final beam atop the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon,” said Jon Lucas, COO at Hard Rock International. “This property represents our continued commitment to delivering world-class entertainment and hospitality while fostering a strong partnership with the Tejon Indian Tribe. We are excited about the economic opportunities this project will bring and look forward to the lasting positive impact it will have on the region for years to come.”
