• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 9, 2025

Citi Field Needs Better Surroundings. The Mets Owner Wants A Casino

  • Team owner looks to transform oft-criticized stadium neighborhood
  • State legislators have approved up to three downstate casino licenses
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has made it clear he wants to transform the oft-criticized Queens neighborhood adjacent to Citi Field — and he thinks building a casino is the way to do it.

For years, the area has been dominated by a glut of auto repair shops, and Cohen envisions a casino as the center of a mixed-use development drawing fans before and after Mets games, similar to many other sports facility projects around the country.

“There’s nothing going on. The only thing you can do at Citi Field is get your hubcap changed or maybe get back a catalytic converter,” Cohen said at a Sportico conference. “The way I would describe it is 50 acres of cement.”

There is some additional development coming to the area with NYCFC’s separate plans to develop a $780 million soccer-specific stadium adjacent to Citi Field. But Cohen sees a potential opportunity in landing one of the maximum three casino licenses approved by legislators earlier this year for downstate New York.

“I have tons of ideas I want to implement,” he said. “You can’t spend an unlimited amount of money, so you’ve got to budget. And also, dealing with the underinvestment that I had to deal with coming in, I call it the money pit.”

Several other MLB teams have physical sportsbooks in or near their ballparks, including the Mets themselves at Citi Field. But a casino would be new for a major league ballpark setting.

Cohen’s expenditures also extend to the Mets’ record-setting payroll, which reached $344 million before a series of trade deadline moves amid a highly disappointing 75-87 season. The owner later apologized for the poor performance in an open letter to fans and pledged a “sustainable” future for the club.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

Bud Selig: ‘Remarkable’ Brewers Run Can’t Mask MLB’s Money Divide

The former commissioner lauds his hometown team while raising economic concerns.

MLB’s Rare October Day: Four Playoff Games, Four Possible Clinchers

Four separate clinching opportunities are available during the day.
Mar 19, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; USA shortstop Trea Turner (8) throws to first base for an out during the first inning at LoanDepot Park.

Fox Picks Up Media Rights to 2026 World Baseball Classic

The network will repeat its role in the international baseball tournament.

Rays Owner Eyes New ‘Forever Home’ Like Atlanta’s Battery

The club’s new owners target a new ballpark opening in 2029.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.

Connor McDavid Signs Short-Term Deal, Eyeing Oilers’ Cup Window

The three-time Most Valuable Player signs for below his market value.
September 30, 2025

Tyreek Hill’s Injury Complicates Financial Future With Dolphins

Releasing the receiver after this season would cost $28 million.
October 1, 2025

Cardinals Vow Changes Coming After Historic Attendance Drop

A stalwart franchise looks to correct an alarming slide in attendance.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Jun 12, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) and relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) celebrate after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field.
September 29, 2025

Two of the Mets’ Biggest Stars Could Dictate Important Offseason

The Mets missed the playoffs despite having one of baseball’s highest payrolls.
September 29, 2025

Mariners to End 37-Year RSN Run, Join MLB’s In-House Media Model

The Mariners-owned regional sports network is shutting down operations.
September 25, 2025

Celtics Owner Bill Chisholm: Boston Should Have a WNBA Team

Chisholm spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time as Celtics owner.
Aug 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello calls out a play in the second half to her team against the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center.
September 25, 2025

Liberty GM Defends Controversial Brondello Firing

Kolb said he has confidence that the team’s stars will return.