Preparations for the construction of the Metropolitan Park casino, to be located next to Citi Field stadium in Queens, have begun. This marks the first steps toward the creation of the casino and entertainment complex that Steve Cohen, owner of the MLB’s New York Mets, and Hard Rock won a license to build in December.
The New York State Gaming Commission awarded Metropolitan Park one of three downstate casino licenses in December. The other two licenses went to Resorts World New York, which operates an existing racino in South Queens, and Bally’s Corporation, which plans a casino complex in the Bronx near the Whitestone Bridge.
Site preparation underway
Following the licensing decision, preparation for construction began earlier this month on the more than 50-acre parcel of city-owned land that currently serves as parking for Citi Field. The planned development carries a projected cost of $8 billion.
The initial phase includes breaking up existing curbs and clearing portions of the parking lot where the casino and resort complex will be built. A spokesperson for Metropolitan Park told Queens Daily Eagle the activity does not constitute a formal groundbreaking. A timeline for full construction has not yet been provided.
“Preparation for construction is now underway, bringing us one step closer to creating 23,000 jobs, 25 acres of new public park space, and the sports and entertainment district Queens deserves,” Karl Rickett, Metropolitan Park’s spokesperson, said in a statement. “Our commitment to this community has guided us from day one, and will continue to be our priority as we realize this vision.”
Parking concerns during public review
Parking access and traffic management were recurring issues during the three-year process in which Cohen publicly pursued one of the downstate licenses.
At more than a dozen town halls, community board meetings, and advisory committee sessions, residents requested details on how the $8 billion complex could affect parking during Mets games and traffic patterns in the surrounding area.
Details have not yet been provided on how construction preparation or future building phases may affect fan parking during the upcoming baseball season, which begins in Queens on March 26.
“Metropolitan Park construction is designed to minimize disruption as much as possible,” Rickett said. “Our team is working closely with the Mets to ensure a seamless experience for fans, neighbors, and the local community.”
Project scope and 2030 completion target
Metropolitan Park will be built primarily on the western portion of the Citi Field parking lot.
Plans call for 5,000 slot machines, 375 table games, and 30 poker tables. The complex will also include a live music venue, a hotel, a “Taste of Queens” food hall, and 25 acres of public open space distributed throughout the site.
Cohen has pledged $1 billion in community benefits tied to the project, including a proposed overhaul of the 7 line Mets-Willets Point station. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has not yet agreed to that proposal.
Completion of Metropolitan Park is targeted for 2030. Current plans include several above-ground parking garages and multiple levels of underground parking constructed beneath a large portion of the development.
Resolution of lease dispute
The project also moves forward following the resolution of a lease dispute involving the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the City of New York.
In mid-November, a state judge ordered the city to halt lease negotiations with Cohen after granting a temporary restraining order to the USTA. The USTA argued that revised lease terms did not specify that tennis fans would retain parking priority during the annual U.S. Open.
The matter was resolved after a “superiority clause” was inserted into the lease. City records show the agreement was finalized on December 22.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/02/26/117781-groundwork-underway-for-metropolitan-park-casino-and-entertainment-complex-in-queens
