Wealthy New York Mets proprietor, Steve Cohen, has partnered with Hard Rock International to introduce a spectacular entertainment complex in Queens. The envisioned “Mets Park,” estimated to cost a staggering $8 billion, would be situated adjacent to Citi Field, the Mets’ home turf.
Cohen, whose fortune is valued at $13.9 billion, has been competing for one of New York State’s highly sought-after full casino permits. This collaboration with Hard Rock considerably strengthens his proposal.
Encompassing 50 acres, the “Mets Park” blueprint features a casino, entertainment spaces, lodging accommodations, and a 20-acre public green space crafted by Field Operations, a celebrated landscape architecture firm recognized for their contributions to the High Line and Freshkills Park. The initiative aspires to rejuvenate the vicinity with supplementary features such as athletic facilities, an enhanced transportation center, and a “Queens culinary marketplace.”
This endeavor is projected to be an economic windfall for the borough, potentially generating 15,000 construction and permanent employment opportunities. Nevertheless, the proposition encounters a substantial obstacle as it necessitates state legislation to permit the development of the publicly held parkland.
Legislation was presented in the previous assembly session, but it hasn’t been brought to a vote. Assuming the lawmakers approve it, this entire gambling establishment concept depends on the Site Committee – that’s a body of regional representatives where the suggested gambling establishment would be situated. They need to provide their endorsement. Following that, the state’s Gaming Establishment Placement Committee would have the ultimate decision on how to allocate the three existing permits.
There’s significant revenue at stake. An analysis by Spectrum Gaming projected that a gambling establishment in Queens could generate approximately $1.9 billion annually by 2025. That has captured everyone’s notice!
While New York’s development has been dominating the headlines, it’s important to mention that Hard Rock International has been making strategic maneuvers to enlarge its domain in both the hospitality and gaming sectors. They recently unveiled intentions for the Algarve Hard Rock Hotel in Portugal, which is anticipated to be a significant tourism driver and generate employment opportunities in the scenic Praia da Rocha. And let’s not overlook Canada, where construction is already in progress on the nation’s inaugural Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, scheduled to debut in Spring 2025.
Hard Rock isn’t ignoring the virtual realm either. They recently introduced their Hard Rock Bet platform in New Jersey, establishing a unified experience for online users and those who favor placing wagers in person at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
