METTLER, Calif. (KGET) — If any single business has the ability to dramatically change the economic outlook of this area, it’s this place — the Hard Rock Casino, just north of the Grapevine in southern Kern County.
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Opening day for the 50-acre casino campus is Nov. 13. But local dignitaries and invited guests got a preview Friday with the unveiling of a six-story electric guitar — signage one can spot from Interstate 5 from literally miles away.
A joint venture of Hard Rock International and Kern County’s only federally recognized Native American tribe, the Tejon Tribe, the casino and its numerous restaurants and entertainment venues seems poised to jolt considerable energy into the local tourism economy.
“It’s an absolute shift in dynamics when it comes to hospitality and tourism,” said Octavio Escobedo III, chairman of the Tejon Indian Tribe. “I think Kern County already has a great job in tourism. This is just going to elevate and augment what is already here by a significant multiplier.”
Country star Brett Young set to perform during opening celebration of Hard Rock Casino Tejon
The tribe invested $13 million into the building of a sheriff’s and county fire station that serves the casino and surrounding communities as well…