Representatives of Hard Rock International (HRI), the Tejon Indian Tribe and community leaders in California recently celebrated breaking ground at the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon.
The new destination will be comprised of 700,000 square feet, with 150,000 square feet set aside for the casino floor. The gaming space will feature 2,500 slots and 48 table games as well as video poker.
Tejon Indian Tribe Chair Octavio Escobedo, III commented on the groundbreaking celebration by saying, "This is an exciting day for the state of California, Kern County and the Tejon Indian Tribe. This groundbreaking is a symbolic ceremony for the Tribe, which was landless for more than 150 years, and has been a priority for us since we were reaffirmed as a federally recognized Indian tribe.
“From the start of our relationship with the United States government in 1851, our Tribe has fought for a homeland for our people. Today we are one major step closer to the dream of self-determination through economic development.”
HRI Chairman Jim Allen said that the company is excited to collaborate with the Tribe on this project.
He elaborated further by saying, "Hard Rock is proud to partner with the Tejon Indian Tribe on creating a world-class entertainment destination.
"The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon property will be another incredible offering in our West Coast portfolio and we are committed to supporting the local community and creating a lasting positive economic impact for the State of California."
Escobedo also took a moment to thank several key supporters. He said in closing, “The Tribe would like to thank local community support, the support from Kern County government, the entire California State Legislature, our federal delegation in Washington DC and especially to Governor Gavin Newsom. Including all the non-governmental organizations, SSCR LLC, Hard Rock International and the Seminole Tribe of Florida who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us to help make our dream of restoring our land base and this groundbreaking possible."
