Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) — along with Queens native, two-time NBA champion, and analyst Kenny “The Jet” Smith – have officially unveiled “The Jet Center,” which will be the centerpiece of the facility’s proposed innovation campus with a focus on sports and media. Thursday night’s unveiling of “The Jet Center” came just hours after RWNYC received unanimous support from its Community Advisory Committee to create the largest integrated resort in the United States.

“Resorts World came to me with a clear goal of fostering tomorrow’s athletes, media personalities and leaders both on and off the court,” said Kenny “The Jet” Smith. “Their investment in this center will help us teach the next generation the nuances of the game, whether they’re on the bench or in the broadcast booth, as well as the social, economic, and cultural impact of sports. I’m thrilled to partner with them to improve the borough that raised me and take it to the next level.”

“Last night was about celebrating and thanking the Queens community for their support,” said Resorts World Chief Legal and Strategy Officer Kevin Jones. “Since breaking ground nearly fifteen years ago, Resorts World New York City has been intentional in its mission to serve as a community pillar here in Queens. To the large number of local organizations, elected officials, unions, and others who have touted our proposal, we are incredibly grateful and don’t take your support for granted as we embark on this once-in-a-generation project.”

For renderings of The Jet Center, click here.

More than a sports facility, The Jet Center will prepare the next generation of leaders by combining athletics with education, mentorship, and exposure to the broader business of sports. Designed for athletes and non-athletes alike, the campus will open doors to new opportunities, strengthen youth pathways, and position Queens as a destination for growth, opportunity, and excellence. The investment underscores Resorts World’s commitment to serving as a true community partner with The Jet Center’s impact set to be felt across the borough, the city, and the state.

The Jet Center will serve as the centerpiece of the Resorts World Innovation Campus proposed for the 73-acre site. It would stand alongside a health and wellness center geared toward serving Hotel and Gaming Trades Council members, as well as a science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics center.

Over the course of two public hearings, more than 100 community members spoke in support of both Resorts World’s record as well as the merits of the proposal. The bid has also garnered the backing of Queens hip-hop legend Nas who recorded a video as part of Resorts World’s bid that paid homage to the World’s Borough and the facility’s mission to advance its communities. The proposal will now go to the Gaming Facility Location Board, where Resorts World will lay out its vision for the future of Queens.

With a commercial casino license in hand, Resorts World can:

• Create 24,000 jobs – 5,000 permanent, 5,000 union construction, and 14,000 indirect and induced.
  • Resorts World would be operational by July 2026 thanks to its unparalleled speed to market capabilities.
• Provide $1 billion in new, incremental revenue to New York State in 2026, as well as send $1 billion to the MTA within the first five years of licensure.
• Develop 12 acres of new, public greenspace designed in partnership with the community.
• Deliver a 7,000-seat multipurpose entertainment venue, large-scale event and meeting space, and 30 new dining options including concepts by Chefs Marcus Samuelsson and Scott Conant.

To learn more about the future of this site, click here.

About Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) is the Big Apple’s only casino-hotel and has generated more than $4.5 billion for the State’s public education system since 2011. RWNYC fulfills the decades-long mission to turn the historic Aqueduct Racetrack into a gaming destination with approximately 6,500 slot machines and electronic table gaming. An average 8 million guests pass through RWNYC’s doors annually, where they enjoy an extraordinary gaming, entertainment, and dining experience. In 2021, the 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK Airport hotel at Resorts World New York City opened its doors — bringing the total investment at the site to $1.1 billion. Guests can choose from several dining options including the recently reopened RW Prime and Good Friends Noodle House. RWNYC is operated by the Genting Group, a global company founded in 1965, with destination resorts in the Catskills, Hudson Valley, Las Vegas, Bimini, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Genting has more than 50 years of experience in the travel and leisure industry and collectively employs approximately 30,000 people while offering an unparalleled resort experience to over 50 million visitors a year worldwide.