Bally’s Corp. Unveils Plans for New Las Vegas Project Aligned with Oakland Athletics Stadium
After months of speculation and anticipation, the chairman of Bally’s Corp., Soo Kim, recently confirmed that the company is moving forward with plans to develop a new Las Vegas property, coordinated to open its first phase alongside the Oakland Athletics’ new stadium. This integration of sports and hospitality marks a significant development in the Las Vegas entertainment landscape, aiming to capture the synergy between gaming, dining, and live sports.
The Timing and Vision Behind the Project
In a statement made to the Las Vegas Review-Journal on October 22, Kim highlighted that the goal is clear: to ensure that Phase 1 of Bally’s new property is completed in time for the anticipated spring 2028 opening of the A’s $1.5 billion stadium, which will accommodate 33,000 fans. The project site, spanning 35 acres, will see the stadium taking up nine acres, with Bally’s planning to utilize the remaining space for its development in three distinct phases.
The recent implosion of the Tropicana Las Vegas on October 9 has cleared the way for construction to commence for both the new stadium and Bally’s hotel-casino, allowing for a fresh start on this prime piece of real estate on the Las Vegas Strip.
Collaborative Efforts and Financial Partnerships
Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI), which owns the land, has entered into a lease agreement with Bally’s and has previously committed $175 million in funding for developments at the site. This partnership not only promises a beneficial outcome for both entities but also potentially sets the stage for further collaborations, as GLPI is already working with Bally’s on a casino project in Chicago.
Earlier in October, Bally’s, GLPI, and the Athletics submitted preliminary plans to Clark County officials, offering insight into their vision for the complex. However, these were not formal designs; rather, they served as conceptual representations of what the completed site might ultimately look like.
What to Expect in Phase 1
Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim provided a glimpse into what Phase 1 will entail. While details remain somewhat fluid, the initial phase is expected to include a casino, dining options, and a hotel tower. More specifically, plans submitted indicate an ambitious 90,000 square feet of gaming space with 1,500 slot machines, 75 table games, a sportsbook, and a dedicated poker room. The hotel component aims to deliver around 3,000 rooms, which would significantly surpass the capacity of the former Tropicana.
Kim emphasized that the construction of the hotel towers will occur over three separate phases, with initial timelines targeting completion around the same time as the A’s new stadium. “This (initial phase of the resort) could take about two years—probably closer to two than three,” Kim explained, highlighting the operational timelines between the two projects.
Bally’s Rapid Growth and Expanding Influence
Bally’s Corp. is currently on an aggressive expansion trajectory, solidifying its position as one of the most active casino operators in the United States. The company is concurrently progressing on various ambitious projects, including a multi-billion-dollar casino in Chicago, pursuing a casino license in the Bronx, New York, and exploring a new casino initiative in Missouri.
This rapid expansion follows a significant change in ownership, where Kim’s hedge fund, Standard General, acquired Bally’s earlier this year. The buyout, which valued the company at around $4.6 billion, was marked by a share price of $18.25—significantly reduced from the earlier valuations offered by Standard General. This strategic merger with Queen Casino & Entertainment has aided in stabilizing Bally’s operations, allowing the company to focus on future growth.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Bally’s and Las Vegas
As Bally’s Corp. embarks on this monumental project alongside the Oakland Athletics, the integration of a modern hotel-casino with a state-of-the-art sports venue promises to enhance the allure of Las Vegas as a premier entertainment destination. With the potential to redefine the visitor experience and offer synergistic benefits, Bally’s strategic planning and partnership with GLPI could herald a new era of gaming and sports entertainment in Sin City. With the initial phase expected to take shape before the 2028 MLB season, the countdown begins for what promises to be a landmark addition to the vibrant Las Vegas landscape.
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