An East Rutherford hotel near MetLife Stadium is getting a $100 million redevelopment ahead of the World Cup this summer.
The World of Blue hotel, previously operated as a Sheraton and Hilton, is being transformed into an independent destination that developers say will benefit the Meadowlands region long after the 2026 FIFA World Cup concludes, according to a news release.
Renovations are moving quickly at the site, formerly called the Park Hotel.
“We’re building something designed to last well beyond a single event, but there’s no doubt that the World Cup created urgency and clarity around what the Meadowlands can become, and what East Rutherford deserves,” said Harvey Rosenblatt, CEO of P3 Properties, the real estate firm that purchased the property three weeks ago.
Rosenblatt told NJ Advance Media that every square inch of the facility will be redeveloped — from its 427 rooms to its large event center that hosts weddings and galas.
For the upcoming World Cup, Rosenblatt said the hotel will host live watch parties and offer a shuttle to MetLife Stadium, which is slated to have eight matches in June and July.
P3 Properties, which focuses on investing in “undervalued, forgotten” real estate, paid what Roseblatt described as a “steep discount” at $32 million to secure the property.
“Having the World cup here, which we envision will be quite profitable, allowed us the confidence to go ahead and invest and offset the upfront cost that we’re putting out,” he said.
The hotel is prepared to host guests through the end of April and again beginning in June. May will be reserved for construction projects.
Jim Kirkos, president of the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, said the high-end hotel will be a major asset for the region.
“We’re delighted that somebody’s going to come in and invest, reinvigorate that property,” Kirkos told NJ Advance Media. “It’s really important, especially as we’re thinking about World Cup and entertaining guests and visitors from domestically and internationally.”
Kirkos said the community is excited that the region is becoming a “primary destination” for visitors.
“Projects like this show what’s possible when the business community stays engaged — and we encourage more local partners to step forward, invest, and help shape the region’s future,” Kirkos said in the news release.
