Jay-Z’s Roc Nation joins Caesars’ Times Square casino bid
Jay-Z-founded entertainment agency Roc Nation has joined Caesars’ bid to build a casino in Times Square as an official entertainment partner.
As the entertainment partner, Roc Nation will partner with local organisations to “re-imagine programming” in the Times Square area for the casino.
“We are thrilled to have Roc Nation and Jay-Z join our partnership to bring Caesars Palace to Times Square, Caesars CEO Tom Reeg said. “They are one of the most pioneering entertainment groups in the world, with New York embedded in their DNA.
“Times Square has been the heartbeat of American Entertainment for over a century.
“Through our shared vision, we will build a world-class destination specifically designed to complement and elevate today’s Times Square experience, ensuring it remains a magnet for visitors and a hub of creativity for years to come.”
Jay-Z said he hoped to make the Caesars venue a “destination” for entertainment.
“New York is a beacon, the epicenter of culture,” he said. “We have the opportunity to create a destination at the heart of Times Square, the true crossroads of the world.
“My partnership with SL Green and Caesars, this coalition, has all the promise and commitment to economic opportunity, growth and enrichment for the community, and everyone who visits the Empire State.”
Caesars Times Square casino
Caesars announced in Ocotber that it planned to build a casino in Times Square, partnering with SL Green Realty to do so.
The operator will submit a licence application for a planned downstate casino in New York, which would be the first full casino in New York City. Other operators that have expressed interest include Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts and Universal Entertainment.
“There’s no better partner than JAY-Z and Roc Nation to help Caesars Palace Times Square ensure that Times Square remains a global entertainment hub and an economic engine for New York,” SL Green chairman and CEO Marc Holliday said.
“Together, we will bring the nearly 130 million annual pedestrians a stronger and more exciting Times Square to visit, reunifying the bow tie around a new set of innovative programming that will appeal to New Yorkers and tourists.”