Beam placement marks progress on massive upcoming Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon being built south of Bakersfield

METTLER, Calif. ( KGET ) — It begins with the sound of progress. On Monday, it was air horns marking the placement of a beam on a finished framework at the massive Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon being built in Mettler.

Tribal members and others signed their name on the beam honoring their contribution to the highly anticipated project.

"It's such a huge milestone for this project and to be able to sign my name on the beam it was a pretty exciting thing," Candi Asuncion, a member of the Tejon tribe said.

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The ceremony continued with a prayer blessing the construction workers and partners helping the 1,300 members of the Tejon tribe secure a better future.

"As this final beam is raised, it not only symbolizes the completion of the structural framework of our new casino and hotel, but also reflects the strength and resilience of our tribe," Tejon tribe chairman Octavio Escobedo III said.

The ancient ritual includes placing a tree on top of the beam. The Tejon chose a palm tree to celebrate their new beginning after dealing with setbacks like fumigation from local farmers and mud from the rains back in February and March.

"We're excited for our grand opening for the casino next December. So, we're still on track for that," Asuncion said.

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The 700,000 square foot Hotel and Casino in Mettler is set to complete its first phase in 2025 offering 2,500 slots, 42 game tables, and seven restaurants and bars.

Phase 2 will be completed 20 months later offering an additional 3,000 slots, 80 more game tables, 400 hotel rooms, three restaurants and bars and a 2,800 seat capacity entertainment hall.

Both phases will supply 5,000 jobs and a $79 million dollar payroll to start.

"May this structure stand tall and proud for years to come. A symbol of unity, growth, and the spirit of our tribe," Escobedo III said.