The area surrounding Citi Field in Queens is taking on a whole new look with the ongoing construction of New York City FC’s Etihad Park stadium and the recent approval of an $8.1 billion Metropolitan Park casino development led by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen.
Progress on casino plans can now move forward after the New York State Gaming Commission’s siting board approved a site on 50 acres next to Mets Stadium for a casino complex and entertainment district.
“It’s time for New York to get the sports and entertainment park it deserves,” Cohen said in a statement.
The Metropolitan Park project plans to take an area that is now a parking lot and auto repair shops and turn it into a Hard Rock International casino and hotel with a 5,000-seat indoor music venue along with 25 acres of green space, a rebuilt transit hub and retail services.
Metropolitan Park spokesman Karl Rickett says in a statement that Metropolitan Park is one step closer to reality and only needs final approval from the full gaming commission, which typically follows the lead in the site review process. With gaming commission approval, construction can begin, likely in early 2026.
The Metropolitan Park casino includes the hotel, a convention center, a live music venue and many gambling operations. It is being designed by SHoP Architects and McKissack will lead construction.
“This is an opportunity to transform underutilized parking lots into a unique recreational, commercial and entertainment center and act as a catalyst for further regional revitalization,” Cheryl McKissack Daniel, president and CEO of McKissack, said in a statement.
SHoP’s Gregg Pasquarelli says the project will be “New York City’s next big landmark.”
James Corner, founding partner and CEO of Field Operations, says he’s excited for his company to work on the new public park and green space to connect Flushing Meadows-Corona Park with Flushing Bay. He says the site will feature winding paths, large event spaces, social gathering spaces, picnic areas and sports facilities.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says in a statement that the project promises to “unlock billions in funding for the MTA and create tens of thousands of jobs.” He adds that it is “critical that they keep those promises.”
“There is no safer bet in our city than Queens and its unparalleled promise,” says Queens Borough President Donovan Richards in a statement praising the decision to welcome the metropolitan park.
Not all residents support the infusion of a casino into the community. Several groups, including the Fed-Up Coalition, the Flushing Workers Center and the Guardians of Flushing Bay, have publicly denounced the casino plans.
The metropolitan park is scheduled to open in 2030
Construction of Etihad Park continues
Set to open in December 2024, Turner Construction continues to build a 25,000-seat soccer-specific stadium next to Citi Field in the Willets Point neighborhood of Queens. The stadium is expected to open in time for the 2027 MLS regular season.
Construction is underway at New York City FC’s Etihad Park stadium, also in Queens. Rendering courtesy of HOK.The privately funded $780 million stadium on the 126 capth Street will be one of the first all-electric outdoor stadiums in the country and is part of a 23-acre neighborhood in Willets Point that will eventually add 2,500 affordable homes, a 650-seat public school, a 250-key hotel and public open space.
An all-electric 10,500-seat stadium was recently built open in Pawtucket, RI Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas it also runs on renewable energy.
HOK led the design of the stadium, with a key element being a cube entrance that can light up with images. The team says the stadium will offer mixed-use opportunities on non-game days.
