Seeing as the New York Mets spent more than $800 million this offseason, the only logical next move, apparently, is to build a casino next to Citi Field.
Billionaire owner Steve Cohen has long dreamed of doing just that. And now, that $8 billion dream is close to reality. Only one signature stands in the way. The project isn’t just about gaming, it’s part of a much larger vision to turn the area around Citi Field into a year-round destination for entertainment, dining, and tourism.
Cohen sees it as a long-term investment that could transform Queens while also boosting the Mets’ brand off the field.
Steve Cohen’s Casino Approved in 54-5 Vote
The proposed casino received overwhelming support in a 54-5 vote. Now, Cohen just needs Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature to make it official. So far, Hochul hasn’t commented publicly on the plan, so it’s unclear where she stands.
Mets owner Steve Cohen has hired former USTA CEO Lew Sherr as the team’s new president of business operations.
Sherr oversaw massive upgrades to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and is set to be a part of Cohen’s $8B large-scale casino entertainment complex project.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) May 30, 2025
“After years of community engagement, thousands of conversations, and the leadership of our local elected officials, we are one step closer to transforming these asphalt lots into something our neighbors can truly be proud of,” Cohen said in a statement after the vote.
“This is just the start, and we are committed to working closely with the community and fans every step of the way.”
Cohen plans to name the new development “Metropolitan Park,” drawing comparisons to the Braves’ Battery in Atlanta, but on a much larger scale. The projected opening is 2030, depending on final approvals.
Metropolitan Park is set to be more than just a casino. The plans include a hotel, a 5,000-seat indoor music venue, 25 acres of green space, playgrounds, a rebuilt transit hub, and a local food hall.
Citi Field currently seats 41,800, and the Mets rank in the top five in attendance this season. They’re averaging 37,501 fans per game, which is close to a full house every night.
Only the Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers are drawing more fans. That’s a huge jump from last year, when the Mets ranked 17th.
Their signing of Juan Soto and deep postseason run to the NLCS have bumped up their average attendance. It could go even higher if Metropolitan Park comes to fruition.