Chairman Soo Kim remains optimistic regarding the project, hoping the synergies with the stadium will provide long-term value to the company
Bally’s Corp. has reaffirmed its commitment to complete the first phase of its planned Las Vegas resort and casino by 2028, aligning the opening with the debut of the Oakland Athletics’ $1.5 billion ballpark. The projects will share the 35-acre site previously occupied by the Tropicana Las Vegas, whose waning business prompted its demolition.
The Casino Resort Will Gradually Expand
The operator initially planned to develop the ballpark first and then focus on the casino. However, shifting market dynamics prompted the company to accelerate its timeline and launch the two projects simultaneously. The development has faced skepticism from industry insiders, but Bally’s management remains confident in its long-term plans.
Phase 1 of Bally’s project will include a casino, hotel tower, and some dining and entertainment options. In an interview with local news outlet Las Vegas Review-Journal, Bally’s Corp. chairman Soo Kim emphasized these developments would focus on providing a core offering in the initial phase with the possibility of further expansions.
I think we’re working pretty hard to come up with a plan that will allow us to at least build Phase 1 and open at the same time as the ballpark.
Soo Kim, Bally’s Corp. chairman
The Athletics may begin construction on their 33,000-seat ballpark as early as April 2024, with a 31-month construction window ahead of the 2028 season. Bally’s has more flexibility on its Phase 1 casino project, so it can begin construction at a later date and still manage to complete its initial offerings in time for the stadium’s opening.
Bally’s Aims to Deliver a Stellar Customer Experience
Several renderings of the planned casino resort have surfaced online, depicting a gleaming collection of hotel towers, casinos and amenities surrounding the A’s planned ballpark. Kim added that those were not the final depictions since details like the dimensions and profile of the resort hotel towers were still subject to change.
The renderings are not really renderings. They’re more like a representation of how much space that we have to work with here.
Soo Kim, Bally’s Corp. chairman
A key consideration will be ensuring that the resort does not block the view of the Las Vegas Strip from inside the ballpark. Bally’s and the Athletics publicly have pledged to preserve the view, noting it was an integral part of the fan experience. When fully developed, the site will contain 3,000 rooms, 90,000 square feet of casino floor with slot machines and table games, and a dedicated 12,000-square-foot sportsbook area.
The A’s ballpark and adjacent casino are one of two high-profile construction projects for Bally’s. The operator also plans to develop a permanent casino property in Chicago after securing $2 billion in funding in July. Kim confirmed that Bally’s was committed to finishing both casinos and remained confident in Bally’s long-term viability in these jurisdictions.
