Bally's Las Vegas Resort Construction Stalled by FAA Review

Bally's Corp. is awaiting a Federal Aviation Administration review before moving forward with its Las Vegas development beside the Athletics' new ballpark. The $2 billion stadium sits on the former Tropicana site, near Harry Reid International Airport, which triggers aviation oversight on nearby construction. Bally's chief financial officer, Mira Mircheva, updated the Nevada Gaming Control Board on the project's status this week. She said the company aims to have retail and amenities ready when the A's open their stadium in 2028, though she stopped short of guaranteeing it.

FAA Height Review Holds Up Clark County Approvals

Clark County has submitted entitlement applications on behalf of Bally's, covering retail, entertainment, hotel, and casino plans. County officials are waiting for FAA clearance before advancing the proposal further. The review centers on height restrictions for two planned hotel towers near the airport flight path.

Bally's attorney Dan Reaser said the county is ready to proceed once the FAA grants approval. Marnell Architecture, a firm behind several major Las Vegas resorts, is designing the project. JLL is working to secure retail, dining, and entertainment tenants. Mircheva said podium designs are advancing and negotiations with national tenants are underway. Reaser noted Bally's must complete major infrastructure work by opening day, including parking garages, power systems, utilities, and a plaza. Land-use plans place the stadium toward the rear of the property, with hotel towers fronting Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard.

A's Stadium on Schedule as Bally's Plaza Lacks Funding

The Athletics' ballpark remains on schedule and on budget, with $400 million of the $2 billion total already spent. Construction continues regardless of Bally's development timeline.

The team has assured the Las Vegas Stadium Authority that the stadium will open for the 2028 season, no matter what happens with surrounding amenities. One unresolved issue involves a plaza meant to connect the ballpark with Bally's planned resort. Bally's has not finalized financing for the plaza, raising the possibility that a temporary version will be used at opening. The original plan called for Bally's Las Vegas to open after the new ballpark debuts.

Bally's Moves Forward in Chicago and New York

Mircheva also addressed Bally's developments in Chicago and New York. In Chicago, construction on the $2 billion casino project is advancing after a topping-off ceremony in late April. The full steel structure for the podium and hotel tower is now in place. Despite earlier weather delays, Bally's is targeting completion by the end of 2026

In New York, Bally's is developing a $4 billion casino in the Bronx, including a 500,000-square-foot gaming floor, a 500-room hotel, and an entertainment arena. The company has secured its gaming license and golf-course concession and is working through permits ahead of clubhouse demolition. Mircheva said recent financial moves, including a merger and refinancing, have reduced debt and supported ongoing investment across all three projects.