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The basics:

• P3 Properties invests $100M to redevelop former Hilton and Park Hotel in East Rutherford
• World of Blue project aims to create experiential hotel, events hub ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 at MetLife Stadium
• Developers also plan major infrastructure upgrades, future residential
• Local leaders project $3.3B in regional economic impact tied to the World Cup

A hotel in the Meadowlands is preparing for the arrival of the world’s largest sport event – and its fans – with an ongoing $100 million redevelopment.

The former Hilton Hotel in East Rutherford and Park Hotel at Meadowlands will reemerge as the World of Blue. According to details released this month, the experiential and placemaking concept aims to bring a globally visible hospitality, events and meetings space. It is also designed to spur long-term development momentum in the region, developers said.

Led by Harvey Rosenblatt, CEO of P3 Properties, the work will reposition the 2 Meadowlands Plaza property into an independent, non-flag hotel destination. And while the impending FIFA World Cup 2026 may serve as impetus, the hospitality outlet says it ultimately seeks to support year-round demand in the area. World of Blue will offer a hub for travelers attending major events, visiting for corporate work and for the evolving tourism economy of the Meadowlands.

The Park Hotel site formerly housed the Sheraton and Hilton. The redevelopment effort follows P3’s recent acquisition. The privately held real estate acquisition and management firm announced its purchase of the East Rutherford hotel properties at the start of 2026. According to the company’s website, it paid $32 million to acquire the 21-story, 427-key hotel.

The Meadowlands-based business plans to activate the property beyond offering lodging. That includes with public performance spaces as well as major infrastructure upgrades – and future residential development – on the current parking lot.

Accelerating investment

“Major international moments like the World Cup accelerate local investment decisions — and this project reflects that,” said Rosenblatt. “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.”

Local leaders project more than $3.3 billion in regional economic impact from the FIFA World Cup 2026. The event will bring eight matches to MetLife Stadium, including the final.

Looking ahead at opportunity in the Garden State for 2026, NJ Restaurant and Hospitality Association Vice President of Public Affairs Amanda Stone told NJBIZ the Garden State is “uniquely positioned.”

“Major global and national events like the World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary represent once-in-a-generation opportunities to showcase our state, drive tourism, and support local restaurants and hotels,” Stone said.

In the near term, P3 is looking to support public service and event needs, too.

The hotel will house guests and groups through the end of April; and then again beginning in June. The month of May is reserved for construction projects, and may interrupt certain hospitality functions, P3 said. However, playing host comes first. Should additional need arise during that work window, ownership says it will work to make accommodations where possible.

‘I’ve got a blue motel room with a blue bedspread’

World of Blue envisions launching a brand ecosystem — not just a hotel banner. By working without constraints outside the traditional franchise structure, it aims to elevate the Meadowlands experience during these local “high-tide” events, as well as drive strong demand all year round.

“We are surrounded by blue from the dramatic views of the Hudson River to the vast tidal waterways to the incredible skyline – this region’s blueness is perhaps its most uncredited feature,” said Rosenblatt. “World of Blue will celebrate a connection not only to the Meadowlands Sports Complex and the robust activity in the greater region, but a state of mind that is generated by the natural surroundings.”

And the plan echoes the culture of collaboration that has emerged writ large across New Jersey when it comes to harnessing all the world’s largest sporting event can do for the state.

P3 emphasized sustained partnership across local commerce, tourism and community leadership.

“The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation moment for the Meadowlands, but the real opportunity is what we build around it,” commented Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce President Jim Kirkos. “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.”