The area around Citi Field might look very different in future years with Mets owner Steve Cohen’s proposed $8 billion plan to create a new development, dubbed Metropolitan Park, featuring a casino and new live music venue.
What is now 50 acres of asphalt surrounding Citi Field might transform into something completely different, bringing together fans, neighbors, and visitors with 20 acres of new public park space, world-class entertainment, and authentic local global cuisine. It is meant to be enjoyed by not only those located in Queens and New York City but could become a tourist destination.
“It’s time the world’s greatest city got the sports and entertainment park it deserves,” said New York Mets owner Steve Cohen. “When I bought this team, fans and the community kept saying we needed to do better. Metropolitan Park delivers on the promise of a shared space that people will not only want to come to and enjoy but can be truly proud of.” Owning the Mets is a civic responsibility to Cohens, and extends beyond the ballpark walls. For over 85 years, this area has been nothing but parking lots that have not served the community or fans to their full potential, and he wants to change this under-developed area.
Over the last three years, Cohen and his team have met with community groups, elected officials, Mets fans, and those who live and work in the surrounding neighborhoods to develop their vision, giving life to a sports and entertainment park. With over 15 community workshops, 20,000 door-to-door conversations, and hundreds of meetings with local leaders, this project has the community’s best ideas in mind.
The vision includes an investment of $8 billion, nearly 15,000 good-paying permanent and construction jobs, 20 acres of new park space with five acres of community playgrounds and athletic fields, climate-ready infrastructure, an accessible and renovated mass transit station, improved and modernized road network, and much more.
The big ticket item everyone is excited about is the new world-class entertainment experience that will bring people to the area every day of the year. Cohens wants to bring a Hard Rock to the area, known for its best-in-class hospitality, with memorable live music experiences and casino and sportsbook gaming. Hard Rock has been committed to New York for nearly four decades with its iconic Cafe in Times Square.
Now spanning the globe in over 70 countries with hotels, casinos, cafes, rock shops, and sports betting namesake venues and properties, Hard Rock is rooted in the spirit of music and philanthropy, embracing the culture and character of each location.
“Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park will be rooted in the spirit of music while embracing the unique culture and character of Queens,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International. “Metropolitan Park captures the energy and vision of bringing people together for memorable shared experiences that exemplifies the company’s mottos to Love All Serve All, All is One, Save Time to Be Kind and Save the Planet. We’re excited to bring our unique brand of world class entertainment to Queens.”
For more information about Metropolitan Park, visit here.
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