Inside The Mets

New York Mets Owner Unveils Incredible Plans for Citi Field Renovation

Renovations could be coming to the area around Citi Field as New York Mets owner Steve Cohen unveils his incredible vision.

Brad Wakai

New York Mets Owner Unveils Incredible Plans for Citi Field Renovation
New York Mets Owner Unveils Incredible Plans for Citi Field Renovation /
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When the New York Mets were bought by Steve Cohen, it felt like a new era.

In the biggest market in the United States, the Mets finally had the capital and willingness to spend like a team of their caliber.

Immediately the effects of Cohen were felt.

Since he acquired the team in September of 2020, New York has ranked eighth, second and first in Opening Day payroll.

Known as the richest owner in Major League Baseball with an estimated net worth of $13.9 billion, the Mets owner has completely transformed the sentiment within and surrounding the club.

Now, according to ABC 7 in New York, Cohen has unveiled his proposed plan to upgrade the area around their stadium.

He is pitching an $8 billion idea that would bring a hotel, music venue and casino to Citi Field. The investment would involve 50 acres around the stadium and allot another 20 acres for public park space.

They also report that the proposed complex would operate in conjunction with Hard Rock International and faces two major hurdles to get this plan approved.

1. Use of the land requires approval from the state legislature and the governor

2. and the casino would be one of three new casino licenses slated to be issued by state gaming regulators in the downstate region, which includes New York City. There is fierce competition among a dozen other applicants for the three licenses, with sites including Times Square, Hudson Yards, the Bally's Golf Links at Ferry Point (until recently operated by Donald Trump), Coney Island and the Nassau Coliseum.

Cohen has reportedly held meetings with the community and has hired lobbyists to line up support from elected officials.

If he is able to get this approved, it would make Citi Field a destination for not just New Yorkers and Mets fans, but for others outside of the city.

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Brad Wakai
BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently is the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. He is also a contributor at FanSided, writing about the Philadelphia 76ers for The Sixers Sense. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai

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