Bally’s Corp. is doubling down on its Las Vegas gambit, steadfastly committed to unveiling the first phase of its anticipated resort and casino by 2028. This grand opening is slated to coincide with the debut of the $1.5 billion ballpark for the Oakland Athletics. Both iconic ventures are set to rise like phoenixes from the ashes of the former Tropicana Las Vegas, which has folded its hand following a dwindling business that led to its ultimate demolition.
A Strategic Split on an Expanding Table
Bally’s had initially placed its bets on rolling out the ballpark first, keeping its casino plans in the back pocket. Yet the winds of change have blown through the Strip, urging the corporation to shuffle its deck and aim to launch both projects in a synchronized spectacle. The move, bold as a double-or-nothing wager, has had its fair share of skeptics circling, but Bally’s top brass are betting with confidence.
Phase 1 will not be a mere tease—a casino, soaring hotel tower, and a collection of dining and entertainment delights promise to make quite the entrance. In a candid sit-down with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Bally’s chairman Soo Kim shared the vision: “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.” It’s clear that Bally’s is all in, aiming to lay a cornerstone for what could be a jackpot of future expansions.
As the A’s tee up a construction start for their 33,000-seat ballpark by April 2024, they aim for a finish line 31 months down the road, just in time for the diamond’s 2028 season. Meanwhile, Bally’s holds the cards, with flexibility to start the casino build when they see fit and still keep pace for a grand opening aligned with the stadium.
Crafting a Casino Symphony in Sin City
The buzz isn’t just about the plans, but the renderings that have surfaced—a dazzling tableau of hotel towers and casino floors wrapping around the Athletics’ new home. However, Soo Kim notes that these renderings are more like rough sketches, akin to plotting a hand before the full game is dealt. They’re placeholders, promising possibilities as they work out the specifics.
Kim emphasized an important element of the plan, saying, “The renderings are not really renderings. They’re more like a representation of how much space that we have to work with here.” In a city where the view is part of the experience, Bally’s has promised the resort won’t obstruct the iconic Las Vegas Strip from the ballpark, keeping fan experience front and center.
When the dust settles, the master plan envisions a sprawling complex: 3,000 rooms, an expansive 90,000 square feet of gaming glory including slots and tables, and a dedicated 12,000-square-foot sportsbook area—a nod to the ever-growing appeal of placing odds on your favorite pastimes.
Meanwhile, Bally’s isn’t just pinning its fortunes on the Vegas strip. It is also breaking ground in Chicago with plans for a permanent casino, backed by a hearty $2 billion in financing secured in July. Soo Kim has reiterated his commitment to seeing both projects to completion, showing firm resolve in Bally’s long-term play in these lucrative markets.
Casino lovers and sports fans alike have a jackpot to look forward to, with Bally’s strategic bets promising to reshape the landscape with verve and vision.
