Encore Boston Harbor is a jewel in the rough. The resort casino’s luxurious facade contrasts with its neighboring power plant, marked by smokestacks. However, there are plans to change that. A Major League Soccer stadium could be built next to Encore Boston Harbor.
Encore Boston Harbor opened three years ago in Everett, along the Mystic River. The 33-acre property features a casino, hotel, restaurants, spa, salon, and a 6-acre park called Harborwalk.
If New England Revolution owner Robert Kraft has his way, the blighted neighbor of Encore could be transformed into a gleaming new MLS stadium.
Legal action might make new arena possible
Massachusetts lawmakers added an amendment last week to an environmental bill progressing through the House. The amendment would eliminate certain environmental protections for the power plant’s property.
Removing these protections would allow Kraft to proceed with building his stadium. How? The limitations that prevented development on the property would be lifted, paving the way for Kraft to work with a developer and construct the soccer stadium he has been pursuing.
However, several steps would need to be taken for the stadium to become a reality. First, the Senate must approve the bill. Second, Governor Charlie Baker would need to sign the bill into law. Kraft would also need to purchase the property from its owner, Constellation Power. Lastly, the stadium would need approval from local authorities.
Governor Baker is likely to support the bill, and Constellation has agreed to sell a 45-acre portion of the property, according to the Boston Globe. The project also has the support of Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria, who expressed excitement about the potential benefits for Everett residents.
Mayor DeMaria stated, “Everett residents finally have the opportunity to realize the benefits of the kinds of economic development opportunities they deserve with the redevelopment of the… Constellation Power generating sites. I have always recognized the potential that Everett has to grow from its industrial age industrial uses because we have the acreage that is no longer available in surrounding communities.”
Energi has forced new arena for years
The particular Revolution performs in Gillette Stadium within Foxborough. As the stadium produces an electric environment for New Britain Patriots online games, its commodious confines really are a bit too large for MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE matches. A brand new stadium gives Kraft the opportunity to create a a lot more intimate label his team.
Kraft’ t attempts to create that arena to fruition are several as their Patriots’ Extremely Bowl headings. The Energi family and nearby leaders have got pitched several stadium areas over the past 10 years:
- UMass Boston grounds
- A southern Boston tow line lot owned or operated by the town
- Somerville’ t Assembly Line
- The old Wonderland dog observe in Revere
- Roxbury
What makes the Constellation property different? In many ways, it has several advantages.
First, it is part of a larger redevelopment plan that includes a parcel of land recently sold by ExxonMobil. This creates an opportunity for comprehensive revitalization and development in the area.
Second, the location is attractive to wealthy developers who can contribute to the growth and transformation of the site.
Third, Robert Kraft and the Kraft family, known for their financial resources and experience in the sports industry, are ready and willing to invest in the construction of a stadium on the property.
Informal discussions have already begun between the Krafts and Mayor DeMaria regarding the potential sale of the property.
If sports betting is legalized in Massachusetts, building a football stadium next to Encore would be an ideal partnership. Wynn Resorts, the owner of Encore, has expressed support for legal Massachusetts sports betting. CEO Craig Billings has stated that Wynn is preparing to be there from Day One, recognizing the significant impact it would have on the business.