Amid a spate of looming present closures, the “Coalition For a Higher Occasions Sq.” is throwing its assist behind a controversial on line casino challenge within the New York theater district.
Occasions Sq. in New York Metropolis. A controversial on line casino plan there may be gaining some assist. (Picture: Eater NY)
In a press release launched at this time, the coalition famous 16 exhibits affecting 39% of theaters within the space are slated to finish their runs over the subsequent two months. That, argues the coalition, is an indication Occasions Sq. nonetheless hasn’t bounced all the best way again from coronavirus pandemic shutdowns.
Final October, Caesars Leisure introduced it’s partnering with SL Inexperienced Realty on a redevelopment effort at 1515 Broadway in Occasions Sq. – a plan that features bidding for certainly one of three downstate on line casino permits. The “Coalition For a Higher Occasions” believes the venue could possibly be a boon for the ailing New York theater scene.
Luckily, there is a chance to deliver a brand new inflow of holiday makers to the theater district and make sure that Occasions Sq. stays the best leisure vacation spot for New York Metropolis: Caesars Palace Occasions Sq.. The present proposal by SL Inexperienced, Caesars Leisure, and Roc Nation, and supported by this coalition, would generate an estimated 412,000 new Broadway ticket gross sales yearly and produce greater than $65 million in new income for the Broadway trade,” in response to the group.
The coalition added that simply this weekend, 4 Broadway exhibits (1776, Into the Woods, Nearly Well-known and Beetlejuice) are closing — an indication that Occasions Sq. nonetheless has work to do to rebound from the pandemic.
Occasions Sq. On line casino Has Detractors, Supporters
As is the case with most new on line casino proposals, some favor the concept of bringing a brand new gaming venue to Occasions Sq., whereas others oppose it.
Final November, the Shubert Group, the most important theater proprietor on Broadway, joined the Broadway League in saying it doesn’t need a on line casino in Occasions Sq.. Shubert actual property VP Julio Peterson stated the gaming venue can be “disruptive to theatergoers,” however added the group isn’t against a Manhattan on line casino so long as it’s not within the theater space.
Earlier this week, Sardi’s proprietor Max Klimavicius stated he’s against a Occasions Sq. on line casino, too. Nevertheless, some locals consider the Broadway League has a historical past of opposing something new within the neighborhood, and that the Caesars/SL Inexperienced plan can be good for enterprise.
For its half, Nevada-based Caesars touts its and SL Inexperienced’s observe data of working with organized labor. It’s additionally been famous the gaming firm has greater than 65 million members in its loyalty program, which might lead to extra visits to a New York on line casino, and thus extra site visitors to eating places and theaters.
Coalition Sees Alternative with On line casino
Earlier this week, New York opened the request for functions (RFA) course of for operators searching for a downstate allow. It will likely be a while earlier than selections are made, although it’s broadly anticipated two of three licenses can be awarded to MGM Resorts’ Empire Metropolis in Yonkers and Resorts World New York Metropolis (RWNY) in Queens.
Within the interim, the Coalition For a Higher Broadway is steadfast in its assist of the Occasions Sq. on line casino plan.
“The coalition helps Caesars Palace Occasions Sq. as a result of it’s being designed particularly to assist Broadway and your entire Occasions Sq. group, bringing an inflow of vacationers and New Yorkers to the world’s motels, eating places and leisure venues,” concluded the group.
