Hard Rock International CEO Jim Allen recently made a presentation to hundreds of business owners in Queens, laying out all the lucrative work that would be created if it can move forward on plans for a Queens casino and entertainment complex. The company is one of several bidders for a downstate casino license, hoping to turn the parking lot near Citi Field in Flushing Meadows into a mixed entertainment venue. Allen’s presentation included a commitment to give local Queens businesses priority in bidding on contracts to fulfill the short-term and long-term needs of the proposed project.
The presentation comes amid positive developments in the state capitol for Hard Rock’s venture with businessman Steve Cohen, although Allen reiterated that Hard Rock receiving a license to operate a casino in New York is crucial to moving forward with the project. Allen’s presentation might have doubled as a move to generate a greater amount of community support for Hard Rock’s bid for that license.
Allen details Hard Rock’s needs for entertainment venue
According to Shane O’Brien of QNS, Allen’s May 1 meeting with Queens business owners on May 1 covered “a wide range of bidding opportunities local businesses can expect, including contracts for site preparation, infrastructure, foundations, steel, metalwork, elevators, plumbing, and telecommunications.” Furthermore, the facility, dubbed Metropolitan Park, will have long-term needs for “equipment rental, roofing, maintenance, cleaning supplies, and food and beverage vendors.” Allen shared that in all facets of the venue’s operations, Hard Rock wants to “prioritize contracts with Queens-based small businesses” along with support “minority-, women-, veteran-, and disabled-owned businesses.”
As far as a timeline for when Hard Rock might start taking bids on contracts, Allen stressed that everything is contingent on Hard Rock receiving one of the potentially three downstate casino licenses that the New York State Gaming Commission plans to award by the end of 2025. The competition for those licenses is beginning to heat up, with events like Hard Rock’s forum serving as a public relations campaign as much as an informational session.
Hard Rock keeping pace with other gaming license bidders
Hard Rock’s pushing of its commitment to the immediate area that its intended casino would inhabit is not unique to Hard Rock. Developer Related Companies has recently increased its commitment to provide housing in its plans for a casino in the Western Rail Yards.
Additionally, Thor Equities has promised to fund a community trust with an initial investment of $200 million connected to its casino bid on Coney Island. Those are just two examples, as community support is a crucial element for a bid to win.
At this time, there are nine potential contenders for the up to three licenses. However, the Las Vegas Sands Corporation is looking for a partner to bid on a potential license for the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, which could add another bidder to the mix.
Two of the three licenses are expected to be awarded to MGM Resorts and Resorts World, so those companies can convert MGM Empire City and Resorts World NYC into full-service casino resorts. That would leave one license for the other bidders like Hard Rock.
That competition is likely to be fierce and the gap between the winner and the other contenders narrow. One factor like community support could tip the scales.
To date, Hard Rock has been able to secure necessary legal clearances, like the New York City Council’s approval for zoning changes and the introduction of necessary legislation to change the parkland designation of the parking lot near Citi Field. At this point, moving forward with the plans and opening up vendor contracts for bidding will all depend on the gaming licensing decisions.
