Work Begins On $8 Billion Metropolitan Park Casino Project Next To Citi Field

Early site work has started for Metropolitan Park, the planned casino and entertainment complex adjacent to Citi Field in Queens. The project follows a December decision by the New York State Gaming Commission to award one of three downstate casino licenses to the development backed by Steve Cohen and Hard Rock.

Initial activity signals progress toward a multibillion dollar resort planned for completion later in the decade.

Good to Know

• Development carries an estimated $8B project cost
• Site spans more than 50 acres of land near Citi Field
• Target completion date is 2030

Preparation crews have begun breaking up curbs and clearing portions of the existing parking lots that occupy the western side of the stadium grounds. The land, currently used for game day parking, will house the casino, hotel, and entertainment facilities once full construction begins. Project representatives said current activity should not be considered a formal groundbreaking, and no full construction timeline has been released.

The New York State Gaming Commission also awarded licenses to Resorts World New York in South Queens and Bally’s Corporation, which plans a Bronx development near the Whitestone Bridge. Metropolitan Park represents one of the largest of the three proposals in scale and investment.

“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 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.”

Plans call for a full scale gaming floor featuring 5,000 slot machines, 375 table games, and 30 poker tables. The broader complex includes a hotel, live music venue, and a food hall branded Taste of Queens, alongside 25 acres of publicly accessible green space integrated across the property.

Parking and traffic impact became recurring discussion points during a three year public review process. Residents raised questions at town halls and community board meetings about congestion, especially during Mets home games. Officials have not yet detailed how preparation work or later construction phases may affect parking availability for the baseball season that begins 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 design includes several above ground parking structures along with underground parking built beneath large sections of the development footprint. Steve Cohen has pledged $1B in community benefits tied to the project, including a proposed renovation of the 7 line Mets Willets Point station. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has not approved that plan.

Progress follows resolution of a legal dispute involving the United States Tennis Association and the City of New York. A state judge previously ordered a pause on lease negotiations after concerns about parking access for US Open attendees. The issue was settled once a superiority clause ensured tennis event parking priority. City records show the agreement finalized December 22.

Metropolitan Park will rise primarily on the western side of the Citi Field parking complex, transforming the area into a year round destination combining gaming, hospitality, and entertainment infrastructure within Queens.

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