The U.S. Open Is Not Pleased With Steve Cohen's Casino Plan

"Now, just days before the board tasked with making final decisions on the three available licenses will tour the site, the U.S. Tennis Association is suing the city. USTA wants a judge to block the city from making any kind of agreement with Cohen's Metropolitan Park casino - at least, not until a judge makes sure its own contract with the city isn't being stomped on."

"The problem, according to the USTA, is its 99-year lease with the city gives it some control over the area during its annual tournament - a so-called superiority clause (really) that bars competing events (other than Mets games) and gives it access to some parking spots and control over marketing and concessions in the park. If it's difficult to imagine 23 days without events at the proposed casino, that's because the project is backed by Hard Rock Entertainment, a brand that revolves around, well, rock."

"Also in the suit: USTA claims it asked the city for the right to look over the potential lease to make sure its rights are upheld, but the city refused - telling the tennis association to wait for the next administration, which, of course, takes office after this will all shake out. That felt disingenuous to USTA, per the lawsuit, which says it "confirms that that the City has threatened to - and intends to - default on its obligation.""

USTA has sued New York City seeking a court order to block any agreement with Steve Cohen's proposed Metropolitan Park casino until judicial review protects USTA contractual rights. The association cites a 99-year lease containing a superiority clause that restricts competing events during the annual tournament and grants parking, marketing, and concessions control. USTA expresses concern that a Hard Rock–backed casino promising "365 Days of Entertainment" and a music venue could conflict with tournament operations. USTA claims the city refused its request to review the potential lease, told it to wait for the next administration, and alleges the city threatened to default on obligations.

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