Hard Rock International and Steve Cohen's Metropolitan Park Invests $10 Million in Jackson Heights' First Community Center

Metropolitan Park Supports Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens' New Jackson Heights Facility

QUEENS, N.Y., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Metropolitan Park, the $8.1 billion sports and entertainment district led by Hard Rock International and Steve Cohen, today announced a $10 million investment in the new Jackson Heights community center of the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens. The investment is part of Metropolitan Park's more than $1 billion in community benefits and served as the seed funding for the community center's $33.8 million in total public-private funding.

In addition to Metropolitan Park's investment, Governor Kathy Hochul committed $10 million in State funding, $9.3 million was secured by Council Member Shekar Krishnan and the New York City Council, $2 million from U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, $1 million by Congress Member Grace Meng, $1 million in New York State funding secured by Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, $250,000 by Assembly Member Steven Raga, and $250,000 by Assembly Member Catalina Cruz.

Metropolitan Park leaders released the following statements:

"On behalf of Hard Rock International, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Jim Allen, we are proud to make this $10 million investment and to stand alongside our elected officials, community leaders, and the Variety Boys & Girls Club to help turn a long-held community vision into reality," said Sean Caffery, Hard Rock International. "This investment can make a difference and transform the lives of New York residents and their families for generations."

"Metropolitan Park is about creating opportunities for Queens, and that commitment doesn't stop at the boundaries of our site," said Michael Sullivan, Metropolitan Park. "Jackson Heights, Corona and East Elmhurst are some of the most vibrant communities in New York City and we heard loud and clear from our neighbors that they need a new community center to meet the area's growing needs."

About Metropolitan Park

Metropolitan Park, a proposed $8.1 billion private investment and partnership between Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, will transform 50 acres of Citi Field parking lots into a year-round sports and entertainment destination. The project will feature a Hard Rock Hotel with a casino, sportsbook, restaurants, bars, meeting and event space and a state-of-the art live music venue as well as a Taste of Queens Food Hall. Metropolitan Park will create 25 acres of public green space, generate 23,000 union jobs, and deliver over $1 billion in community benefits including new infrastructure improvements and a completely revamped, ADA-accessible 7-line train station.

About Hard Rock®

Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 80 countries spanning more than 300 venues including owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Locations and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 89,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity™ by Hard Rock global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide.

HRI has received numerous industry, destination and workplace awards across the travel, hospitality, gaming, entertainment and food & beverage sectors. HRI currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB), Moody's Investors Service (Baa2), and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.

SOURCE Hard Rock International