Hard Rock Tejon

Hard Rock Tejon's estimated cost is $600 million (Wald Arch/Hard Rock/SfGate)

A new Hard Rock casino will open next month near Bakersfield:

When it opens, it will be among California’s biggest casinos...

The casino announced the early opening date of the project’s first phase, which includes 150,000-square-feet of gaming space. For context, that massive footprint would put it on par with some of the biggest casinos in Las Vegas including the MGM Grand, Bellagio, Aria and Mandalay Bay, which all hover slightly above 150,000 square feet. The Hard Rock Casino Tejon gaming floor is also set to be around 20,000 square feet bigger than the one at Caesars Palace...

Initial visitors to the casino can expect to find Vegas-style amenities on opening day. There will be more than 2,000 slot machines, more than 50 live table games (including blackjack and multiple poker games) and VIP rooms for both blackjack and baccarat. Visitors will also find Hard Rock’s signature music memorabilia strewn about the property, according to a news release.

The opening will also feature various dining choices, including the Hard Rock Cafe, Deep Cut Steaks | Seafood and YOUYU, an Asian-inspired noodle bar. In addition, there will be a food hall featuring coffee, pastries, street tacos, wood-fired Italian dishes and Southern comfort food, as well as a gift shop featuring Hard Rock merch...

The gaming and restaurant footprint is only the first phase. The project is expected to be 700,000 square feet in total, with the second phase adding a 400-room hotel with a pool and spa. A 2,800-seat event venue is also in the offing.

We drive the I-5 from the Bay Area to Southern California every 3 years or so and budget 6½ hours for the trip. Next time we'll add half a day (and a few hundred dollars) to check out the Hard Rock Tejon.