A proposed Meadowlands convention center in New Jersey could generate $30.4 billion in economic activity over 30 years.
According to a new study, the project could also attract approximately two million visitors every year.
The development would be located at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Supporters believe the facility could create thousands of jobs and bring more tourism revenue to North Jersey.
However, leaders in Atlantic City are concerned that the project could take business away from their existing convention center and casino resorts.
The debate has raised questions about New Jersey’s tourism investments and the future of its convention industry.
Meadowlands Convention Center Study Predicts Major Economic Benefits
The Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce recently released the results of a two-year study examining the proposed convention center.
The assessment was conducted by specialists in tourism, architecture, engineering, finance, and convention development.
According to the study, the project could provide significant economic benefits to New Jersey.
The proposed development is now estimated to cost between $3.8 billion and $4.25 billion.
Key Economic Projections
The study estimates that the Meadowlands convention center could deliver:
- $30.4 billion in economic activity over 30 years
- Around 2 million visitors annually
- $3.03 billion in state and local tax revenue over 30 years
- More than 3,700 permanent jobs
- Approximately 5,000 construction jobs
- Events on up to 313 days each year
These figures represent estimates based on the proposed development.
The actual benefits would depend on construction costs, event bookings, visitor demand, and future economic conditions.
Supporters believe the facility could attract conventions and exhibitions that New Jersey currently struggles to accommodate.
What Would the New Meadowlands Convention Center Include?
The proposed Meadowlands convention center would become a major destination for business events, conferences, and entertainment.
The project would be built at the former Izod Center site within the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
The Izod Center previously hosted professional basketball, hockey, concerts, and other major events.
However, the arena permanently closed in April 2015.
The new development would replace the aging facility with a modern convention and entertainment destination.
Planned Facilities and Attractions
The current proposal includes:
- Approximately 460,000 square feet of exhibition, meeting, and ballroom space
- A large exhibition hall for conventions and trade shows
- A flexible entertainment and sports venue
- A 1,000-room headquarters hotel
- Structured parking facilities
- Improved transportation infrastructure
- Outdoor gathering and event spaces
The development would also benefit from its location near MetLife Stadium and the American Dream entertainment complex.
Supporters believe these nearby attractions could encourage visitors to extend their trips.
The facility could host business meetings, concerts, exhibitions, sporting competitions, and large conventions throughout the year.
Why Are Atlantic City Leaders Opposing the Project?
Not everyone supports the proposed Meadowlands convention center.
Several Atlantic City officials believe the development could create unnecessary competition within New Jersey.
Atlantic City already has a convention center that supports its tourism and casino industries.
Local leaders argue that the state should focus on improving existing facilities before funding another major convention destination.
Atlantic County Executive Raises Concerns
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson has been one of the strongest critics of the proposal.
In September 2026, Levinson sent a letter to New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill.
He questioned why the state was considering a new convention center while Atlantic City’s existing facilities needed financial support.
Levinson also warned that the proposed development could reduce convention business in Atlantic City.
The city is already facing additional competition from new casino developments in the New York metropolitan area.
According to Levinson, another major convention destination in North Jersey could place further pressure on Atlantic City’s tourism economy.
Other local officials, including Assemblyman Don Guardian, have expressed similar concerns.
They question whether the Meadowlands could attract enough major conventions to justify the investment.
Atlantic City Convention Hotel Faces Financial Challenges
The debate comes at a difficult time for Atlantic City’s hospitality industry.
The Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel has faced ongoing financial problems.
The property is important because it provides accommodation for visitors attending conventions and business events.
However, its owners have warned that the hotel could close without financial assistance.
The owners have proposed a renovation project costing approximately $100 million.
The plan would update part of the hotel while converting some rooms into residential apartments.
However, the project requires financial support to move forward.
Why Is the Sheraton Important?
Large conventions often require hundreds or thousands of hotel rooms near the event venue.
Without enough nearby accommodation, organizers may choose another destination.
Atlantic City officials worry that losing the Sheraton could weaken the city’s ability to attract major events.
The possibility of a new Meadowlands convention center has added to those concerns.
Critics argue that New Jersey should protect its current convention facilities before making large investments elsewhere.
Meadowlands Supporters Defend the Development
Supporters of the Meadowlands convention center disagree with Atlantic City’s criticism.
They believe the proposed facility would attract new business rather than simply move existing conventions from one New Jersey location to another.
The Meadowlands is close to New York City and has access to a large regional population.
Supporters argue that this location could make it attractive to national and international convention organizers.
Meadowlands Officials Highlight New Opportunities
Meadowlands Chamber President and CEO Jim Kirkos believes the project could strengthen New Jersey’s position in the convention industry.
The chamber says the facility could attract meetings and exhibitions that currently take place outside the state.
It could also create additional demand for local hotels, restaurants, shops, and transportation services.
According to the chamber’s research, 80% of surveyed convention planners said they would consider booking an event at the proposed facility.
Meanwhile, 45% said they would be very likely to consider it.
Supporters see these findings as evidence of market demand.
However, interest from event planners does not guarantee future bookings or financial success.
The disagreement highlights two different views of New Jersey’s tourism strategy.
Atlantic City leaders want greater investment in existing facilities, while Meadowlands supporters believe a new destination could expand the state’s overall convention market.
What Happens Next for the Meadowlands Convention Center?
The Meadowlands convention center has not yet received final construction approval.
Following the completion of the two-year study, project supporters are requesting additional state funding.
The next proposed stage is called the Path to Authorization.
It would involve a state-supervised working group responsible for reviewing the development in greater detail.
The estimated cost of this planning stage is between $2.7 million and $3.8 million.
State Agencies Could Review the Proposal
The proposed working group would include representatives from relevant New Jersey agencies.
These could include the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.
The next review would focus on several important questions:
- How much would construction actually cost?
- What public and private financing options are available?
- How would transportation and parking be managed?
- What environmental and engineering approvals are required?
- How would the convention center operate financially?
The findings would help state officials decide whether the development should move forward.
Governor Mikie Sherrill’s administration must now consider the proposed next steps.
No final construction schedule or opening date has been announced.
What Could the Project Mean for New Jersey Tourism?
The Meadowlands convention center proposal highlights an ongoing debate about economic development in New Jersey.
Supporters believe the project could generate billions of dollars in long-term activity, create jobs, and attract new visitors.
They also argue that North Jersey could compete more effectively for major conventions in the New York metropolitan region.
However, Atlantic City leaders remain concerned about losing business to a new state-supported competitor.
They believe strengthening existing convention facilities should be a priority.
The project could reshape New Jersey’s convention market, but its actual economic impact remains uncertain.
For now, the state must decide whether to fund the next planning stage.
The decision will help determine whether the proposed Meadowlands convention center moves closer to becoming a reality.
