Hard Rock International
Hard Rock International and NY Mets Owner Steve Cohen Officially Unveil Renderings of Metropolitan Park

New renderings of Metropolitan Park, the partnership between Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, give New Yorkers a look of what turning empty parking lots into 25 acres of new public park will actually feel like. The $8 billion privately funded project is now moving forward with ULURP (Uniform Land Use Review Procedure) New York City’s process for public approval of the development. The design and the layout were informed over three years of community engagement by Cohen and his partners with local residents, small businesses, Mets fans, and Queens community leaders to transform the area.
Metropolitan Park is a once in a life-time opportunity to transform the 50 acres of asphalt around Citi Field into an economic engine that will create 23,000 competitive-paying union jobs. This reimagined space will bring together neighbors, fans, and visitors to enjoy 25 acres of new public park space, improved public transportation and climate infrastructure, live music, a Queens Food Hall and a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino with bars, restaurants and a sportsbook.
“We are very proud to present New Yorkers with the visualization of what’s possible for a world-class city and its surrounding neighborhoods. We’d like to thank our partners for working with us to create something truly transformative. We take great pride and the utmost care in bringing forth something that will create much needed jobs and memories that will live on for generations to come,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International.
“It’s time the world’s greatest city got the sports and entertainment park it deserves. When I bought this team, fans and the community kept saying we needed to do better. Metropolitan Park delivers on the promise of a shared space that people will not only want to come to and enjoy, but can be truly proud of,” said New York Mets owner Steve Cohen.
Hard Rock Heals Foundation
Hard Rock Heals Foundation Gives $250,000 in Grants to 50 Community Charities Around the World

The Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the charitable arm of Hard Rock International, announced the distribution of $250,000 in grants to 50 local nonprofit organizations across the globe. These $5000 grants are part of the foundation’s annual commitment to help strengthen the communities in which Hard Rock operates through targeted support of impactful, grassroots initiatives.
The 2025 Hard Rock Heals Foundation Grant Program supports three focus areas:
• Mental health awareness and research
• Prevention of human trafficking and promotion of human rights
• Children’s wellness and education
The deserving, locally based organizations selected this year span 15 countries and over 40 cities, reflecting the brand’s global reach and deep community connections. From autism awareness in the Maldives and childhood educational support in Mexico, to youth wellness in Austria and support for people experiencing homelessness in Florida, the 2025 recipients exemplify purpose-driven work that uplifts communities.
“Since 2016, the Hard Rock Heals Foundation has supported hundreds of local programs focused on healing and hope. This year’s grant recipients, whether serving children, combating homelessness, or standing up for human rights, embody the spirit of our mottos: ‘Love All – Serve All’ and ‘Take Time to Be Kind,’” said Tracy Bradford, President of the Hard Rock Heals Foundation and Seminole Hard Rock Support Services.
The program empowers each Hard Rock property to nominate one charity annually. Examples of 2025 grant recipients include:
The Bowery Mission (nominated by Hard Rock Cafe New York) – Serving New Yorkers experiencing homelessness
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia (nominated by REVERB by Hard Rock Atlanta) – Granting life-changing wishes to critically ill children
Maldives Autism Association (nominated by Hard Rock Hotel Maldives) – Providing resources for children and families with autism
Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay (nominated by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa) – Supporting survivors of human trafficking
Cruz Roja Española (nominated by Hard Rock Hotel Marbella) – Offering essential care and education to underserved children
CAREER WARDROBE (nominated by Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia) – Empowering women through professional development.
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Gaming Awards
Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming Recognized as a 2025 US Best Managed Company Gold Standard Winner

Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming have been selected as a 2025 US Best Managed Company Gold Standard winner. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies.
The 2025 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people, as well as maintaining financial performance and governance. Designees drove their businesses forward while remaining dedicated to their people and focusing on their customers.
“We are proud to be recognized as a US Best Managed Company for the fifth consecutive year, marking us a Gold Standard winner. This honor reflects the exceptional talent and dedication of our nearly 65,000 team members worldwide whose collective efforts and commitment to excellence fosters an inspiring workplace culture and extraordinary guest experiences,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming.
Applicants are evaluated and selected by a panel of external judges focused on assessing hallmarks of excellence in four key areas: strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture and governance/financial performance. They join a global ecosystem of honorees from more than 44 countries recognized by the Best Managed Companies program.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. Teams with Hard Rock International as Brand Ambassador

Hard Rock International has welcomed NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. as a brand ambassador to its roster of legendary athlete partners. This exciting partnership will bring exclusive collaborations and limited-time offers to NASCAR fans while they watch and revel in the 2025 season.
“Hard Rock is such a historic and iconic brand. I have always been a huge fan of music, so the vibes and attention to detail that Hard Rock puts into its locations is incredible to me. They have something for everyone – music, food, drinks, casino games and sports betting. I’m excited to partner with them and the opportunities we have to do some really fun things together,” said Earnhardt Jr.
“As a leader consistently delivering entertaining experiences across live music, gaming and sports to guests, Hard Rock is honored to have Dale Earnhardt Jr. as part of our team. Together we will celebrate the spirit of car racing at our properties across the globe through exciting new menu items, apparel and more,” said Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment and Brand at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming.
Through the partnership, NASCAR fans will have the opportunity to engage with Earnhardt via Hard Rock Bet, which has already hosted a sweepstakes at Daytona International Speedway and will offer additional “money can’t buy” experiences for its players to meet the Hall of Fame driver. Fans can also follow along with Earnhardt’s sports betting picks on the top-rated Hard Rock Bet app and view exclusive video content on @HardRockBet channels.
Additionally, later this spring, Hard Rock Games will debut the free-to-play Full Throttle with Dale Earnhardt Jr. slot game on the Hard Rock Neverland Casino and Jackpot Planet apps. This high-octane game will put players in the driver’s seat, with their race car gaining speed with each win, delivering an adrenaline-fueled slot experience like no other.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is an American professional stock car racing driver, champion team owner, businessman, NASCAR analyst, and 2022 inductee into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He won a record 15 straight NASCAR Most Popular Driver awards from 2003 to 2017, consecutive NASCAR Busch Series Championships in 1998 and 1999 and the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2004 and 2014.
The post NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. Teams with Hard Rock International as Brand Ambassador appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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