Bally’s Corporation to Launch New Las Vegas Property in Sync With Oakland Athletics Stadium
After months filled with speculation and rumors, Bally’s Corporation’s chairman, Soo Kim, has officially announced plans for the company’s ambitious new property in Las Vegas, set to open alongside the Oakland Athletics’ new stadium. This exciting intersection of sports and entertainment marks a significant milestone for both Bally’s and the Las Vegas landscape.
A Plan in Motion: Timeline and Development
During an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, published on October 22, Kim highlighted that Bally’s is diligently working on finalizing the first phase of its new Las Vegas project. The plan is strategically timed to coincide with the completion of the Oakland Athletics’ new $1.5 billion stadium, which is projected to open in spring 2028. The stadium, which will hold 33,000 fans, will occupy nine of the 35 acres of the site, leaving the remaining space for Bally’s expansive development.
With the recent implosion of the Tropicana Las Vegas on October 9, both the stadium and Bally’s entertainment complex can now transition from blueprints to tangible projects. This collaborative approach represents a monumental shift for a site that has long been a staple of Las Vegas tourism.
Strategic Partnerships and Financial Backing
The land on which both projects will rise is owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (GLPI), which had been leasing it to Bally’s prior to the Tropicana’s demolition. GLPI has committed to providing $175 million in funding towards these developments, clearly indicating a strong belief in the project’s potential to revitalize the area. This partnership is not a one-time affair; GLPI is also working with Bally’s on financing their Chicago casino, raising questions on whether similar arrangements will be made in Las Vegas.
Earlier in October, Bally’s, GLPI, and the Athletics submitted preliminary plans to Clark County officials. While these submissions were not official renderings, they give stakeholders a glimpse into the future of the site. Kim noted that the materials serve as a representation of the proposed developments, igniting excitement about what’s to come.
Phase One: The Foundation of Entertainment
Kim characterized the first phase of Bally’s development as straightforward but ambitious. Plans for Phase One include a casino featuring 90,000 square feet of gaming space with 1,500 slot machines, 75 gaming tables, a sportsbook, and a poker room. Additionally, the project will encompass a hotel tower, with room counts expected to reach a total of 3,000 once fully developed—a figure almost double that of the Tropicana.
This substantial offering positions Bally’s to stand out in a city known for its entertainment and hospitality, creating a destination for visitors and locals alike. Kim elaborated that while the initial phase might take around two years to complete, exciting enhancements will follow as the property expands over time.
The Team’s Optimistic Vision
With Bally’s new venture, Kim expressed optimism about the timeline, acknowledging that while the A’s stadium construction must be finished before the 2028 MLB season, Bally’s can afford some flexibility with its timelines. The phased approach allows Bally’s to steadily add and improve guest amenities and accommodations, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the local entertainment landscape.
Bally’s Evolution Amidst Rapid Growth
In light of this latest announcement, one cannot help but recognize that Bally’s is rapidly becoming one of the most prolific casino operators in the United States. With ambitious projects underway—including a multibillion-dollar casino in Chicago, bids for new casino licenses in New York’s Bronx and Missouri, alongside the Las Vegas development—Bally’s is positioning itself as a leader in the gaming industry.
Additionally, the company underwent significant changes earlier this year when it was acquired by Kim’s hedge fund, Standard General. The merger with Queen Casino & Entertainment has set the stage for further growth, especially considering the challenges Bally’s faced in the preceding years.
Conclusion: A Bright Horizon for Las Vegas
As the plans for Bally’s new Las Vegas property unfold, excitement continues to build among stakeholders and the community alike. The union of the new stadium and casino project represents not only the promise of enhanced entertainment options but also a revitalization of a critical piece of Las Vegas. As we look toward 2028, the gamble on this new venture is poised to pay off—both for Bally’s and for visitors eager to experience the next chapter in Las Vegas entertainment.
