Key Takeaways
- • Metropolitan Park, the $8.1 billion sports and entertainment district led by Hard Rock International and Steve Cohen, committed $10 million to the new Jackson Heights community center of the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, according to a PR Newswire release dated October 15, 2026.
- • The $10 million served as seed funding for a community center project with $33.8 million in total public-private funding.
- • Additional funding includes $10 million in State funding from Governor Kathy Hochul, $9.3 million secured by Council Member Shekar Krishnan and the New York City Council, $2 million from U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and $1 million from Congress Member Grace Meng.
- • The investment is part of Metropolitan Park's more than $1 billion in community benefits tied to the project.
- • Metropolitan Park's leaders framed the gift as a commitment to Queens neighborhoods beyond the project site, which covers 50 acres of Citi Field parking lots.
Summary
Metropolitan Park, the $8.1 billion sports and entertainment district led by Hard Rock International and Mets owner Steve Cohen, has announced a $10 million investment in the new Jackson Heights community center of the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, according to a PR Newswire release dated October 15, 2026. The investment is part of the project's more than $1 billion in community benefits and served as the seed funding for a facility with $33.8 million in total public-private funding.
The release outlines a broader funding package. Governor Kathy Hochul committed $10 million in State funding, while $9.3 million was secured by Council Member Shekar Krishnan and the New York City Council. U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand contributed $2 million, Congress Member Grace Meng provided $1 million, and Assembly Members Jessica González-Rojas and Steven Raga and Catalina Cruz secured $1 million, $250,000 and $250,000 respectively.
Sean Caffery of Hard Rock International said the investment was made on behalf of Hard Rock International, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Jim Allen, and described it as an effort to turn a long-held community vision into reality. Michael Sullivan of Metropolitan Park said the commitment extends beyond the site's boundaries, noting that Jackson Heights, Corona and East Elmhurst need a new community center to meet growing needs.
Metropolitan Park is a proposed $8.1 billion private investment that will transform 50 acres of Citi Field parking lots into a year-round sports and entertainment destination. The project plans a Hard Rock Hotel with a casino, sportsbook, restaurants, bars, event space, a live music venue, and a Taste of Queens Food Hall. It is also expected to create 25 acres of public green space, generate 23,000 union jobs, and fund infrastructure improvements including an ADA-accessible 7-line train station.
The release outlines a broader funding package. Governor Kathy Hochul committed $10 million in State funding, while $9.3 million was secured by Council Member Shekar Krishnan and the New York City Council. U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand contributed $2 million, Congress Member Grace Meng provided $1 million, and Assembly Members Jessica González-Rojas and Steven Raga and Catalina Cruz secured $1 million, $250,000 and $250,000 respectively.
Sean Caffery of Hard Rock International said the investment was made on behalf of Hard Rock International, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Jim Allen, and described it as an effort to turn a long-held community vision into reality. Michael Sullivan of Metropolitan Park said the commitment extends beyond the site's boundaries, noting that Jackson Heights, Corona and East Elmhurst need a new community center to meet growing needs.
Metropolitan Park is a proposed $8.1 billion private investment that will transform 50 acres of Citi Field parking lots into a year-round sports and entertainment destination. The project plans a Hard Rock Hotel with a casino, sportsbook, restaurants, bars, event space, a live music venue, and a Taste of Queens Food Hall. It is also expected to create 25 acres of public green space, generate 23,000 union jobs, and fund infrastructure improvements including an ADA-accessible 7-line train station.
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