EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ –The planned acquisition of the Meadowlands Xanadu complex by Triple Five Group has been lauded by the head of the local convention and visitors bureau. “The power of this location drove the original redevelopment plan for Xanadu
 and it was what we always knew would lead to its completion,” says Jim
 Kirkos, president of the Meadowlands Liberty Convention and Visitors Bureau, in a statement.

Last week, Gov. Chris Christie and the consortium of lenders that own the debt on the oft-delayed retail/entertainment center announced a letter of intent with Triple Five, owner of Mall of America and West Edmonton Mall, to revitalize the complex. Triple Five will unveil specific plans for the project, which is largely constructed but never opened, in the new year, though SVP Paul Ghermezian last week cited plans to create a successful entertainment and tourist destination. A renaming is expected.

“As a destination, we know people will come to the Meadowlands to spend
 fresh dollars because of Xanadu, and its purchase by Triple Five is a critical 
step in clearing the way for gaming and other destination options at the
 site,” Kirkos says. “The Meadowlands Sports Complex has no excuse except to be the number
 one multi-venue entertainment and sports district in the world, and we will
 continue our work to support its reinvention.”