The Joe Pomp Show Inside Metropolitan Park: How Steve Cohen Got His $8 Billion Casino Project Approved in New York
Dec 4, 2025
Steve Cohen's $8 billion casino project in New York faced fierce competition and legal challenges before securing approval. The plan aims to transform parking lots into a vibrant year-round entertainment complex adjacent to Citi Field. With a potential for $3.9 billion annual revenue and strong state backing, the project could redefine local gaming. Cohen's strategy not only stabilizes finances for the Mets but also enhances game-day experiences for fans. The ambitious development promises a blend of hospitality, gaming, and community benefits.
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Turning Parking Into Recurring Revenue
- Steve Cohen plans to turn Citi Field's parking lot into a year-round revenue engine to reduce MLB seasonality.
- Converting underused real estate into hospitality and gaming diversifies team income beyond ticket and media sales.
Political Roadblocks And Local Approval
- The CAC process forced operators to win local approval with two hearings and a majority vote.
- Joe Pompliano recounts lawsuits, elected-official opposition, lobbying, donations, and infrastructure promises surrounding Cohen's bid.
Scale And Strategic Location
- Metropolitan Park is designed at Las Vegas scale with 1,000 hotel rooms and nearly 300,000 square feet of gaming.
- Its adjacency to Citi Field, the USTA, and transit hubs creates a uniquely powerful entertainment cluster.