When riding the 7 line to Mets/Willets Points in Flushing, Queens, fans may see a small bronze plaque in the middle of the Citi Field parking lots — for in that exact spot sat home plate at Shea Stadium until its demolition in 2009.
For over 44 years, that bronze marker was the center of the universe in Queens. That sacred ground where Shea Stadium once stood has now been approved for a new casino, part of an ambitious $8 billion project. The project is a partnership between New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, marking a transformative moment for the Willets Point area and representing one of the most significant entertainment developments in New York City history.
The Long Approval Journey for Metropolitan Park
This week, the New York State Gaming Commission made official what has been years in the making: the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino at Metropolitan Park next to Citi Field in Queens received final approval to move forward.
The New York State Gaming Commission approved three full-scale casino licenses in the downstate area, with Metropolitan Park joining Bally's Bronx and Resorts World New York City as the winners of a highly competitive selection process. The approval came after a multi-year journey that began with the 2013 New York Gaming Economic Development Act.
The approval process wasn't without controversy. Moments after the commission vote, a group of protesters stood up, chanted in opposition, and walked out of the auditorium, highlighting ongoing community tensions. Earlier in November, the project faced legal challenges from the U.S. Tennis Association over lease agreements. However, those issues were resolved when the city and Cohen signed a lease agreement on November 17, 2025.
What Will Metropolitan Park Include?
The development plans to transform 50 acres of Citi Field's parking lots into a comprehensive entertainment destination. The centerpiece will be a massive casino featuring 286,208 square feet of gaming space, 5,000 slot machines, 375 live-dealer tables, 30 poker tables, and an 18,381-square-foot New York sportsbook.
Beyond gambling, the project includes several major components:
- A Hard Rock-branded hotel with approximately 1,000 rooms.
- A 5,650-seat live music venue and concert center.
- The Taste of Queens Food Hall features local culinary offerings.
- Multiple restaurants, bars, and a Rock Shop retail store.
- Conference and convention facilities.
- 25 acres of new public green space and athletic fields.
The planned parkland is larger than Manhattan's Bryant Park, the High Line, and Union Square Park combined. The green spaces are designed to connect Flushing Meadows Corona Park to the waterfront of Flushing Bay, with protected bike paths and recreational athletic fields.
Cutting Edge Design and Architecture Highlights Cohen, Hard Rock's Plans
SHoP Architects and Field Operations designed the casino complex, both renowned New York-based firms with portfolios including Domino Park, the High Line, and the Barclays Center. The design draws inspiration from the site's history and its surroundings.
Updated renderings show significant improvements to the public realm, including renovations to the often-congested Mets-Willets Point subway station. The design includes code-compliant ramps, new elevators, and public bathrooms. A massive Mets logo may be embedded into the plaza outside the station, while pinstripes in the pavement echo the team's uniforms. Design elements also pay homage to the 1939 World's Fair held at the site.
Construction will start in January 2026 with a targeted opening date of June 2030. Site work at the parking lots will begin as soon as permits and financing are finalized in early 2026. This means Queens residents and visitors can expect roughly 4.5 years of construction before the complex opens its doors.
How Does Steve Cohen's Casino Plan Impact the Mets?
Steve Cohen, who purchased the Mets for $2.5 billion in 2020, leads the development through his investment group, which has caused some Mets fans to worry. With free agents Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz opting to wear different uniforms in 2026 and beyond, some Flushing Faithful have begun to wonder if the casino venture is causing Cohen to tighten the purse strings on the Mets' payroll.
However, as we've seen from David Stearns in the past, his retooling of the Mets roster has little to do with spending less and more to do with team chemistry and player value.
Looking Ahead to the Future of Casino Gaming in Queens
With all major approvals now in place, Metropolitan Park stands ready to transform the area around Citi Field into what developers describe as a world-class entertainment destination.
For Steve Cohen, the casino approval offers a major victory beyond the baseball diamond.
Hard Rock International, which also operates the Hard Rock Bet Casino, provides access to one of the most populous and potentially lucrative gaming markets in the United States.
And for Queens, it promises economic development, jobs, and amenities on an unprecedented scale.
As construction begins in early 2026, the parking lots that have long surrounded Citi Field, and the bronze home plate that has held space for 40+ years of New York sports history, will be replaced by an entertainment complex that aims to rival any in the country. That's both tough to swallow and something Mets fans have been clamoring about for years. Finally, there will be another reason to head out to Willets Point, beyond the US Open and the MLB Season. That's a good thing, even if the change feels massive.
It's unclear if Metropolitan Park will live up to its promises of community benefits and responsible development. Still, for now, this massive project moves forward with the full backing of New York State gaming regulators.
