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Universal will build its first European theme park on a site near London

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Universal will build its first European theme park on a site near London
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Universal will build its first European theme park on a site near London

2025-04-10 09:56 Last Updated At：10:01

LONDON (AP) — Universal has chosen the homeland of Harry Potter to build its first theme park and resort in Europe, the entertainment company and U.K. officials announced Wednesday.

The studio and theme park operator that has drawn millions to its Potter-themed wizarding worlds and other attractions said it would begin construction next year just beyond the outskirts of London.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)
People applaud as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

People applaud as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)
President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh speaks next to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh speaks next to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, shakes hand with President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, shakes hand with President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, centre, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, second from left, President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh, Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council Laura Church, left, and Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences Mark Woodbury, right, meet on the day of an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, centre, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, second from left, President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh, Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council Laura Church, left, and Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences Mark Woodbury, right, meet on the day of an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

People applaud as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

People applaud as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh speaks next to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh speaks next to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, shakes hand with President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, shakes hand with President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, centre, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, second from left, President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh, Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council Laura Church, left, and Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences Mark Woodbury, right, meet on the day of an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, centre, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, second from left, President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh, Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council Laura Church, left, and Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences Mark Woodbury, right, meet on the day of an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the park would create 28,000 jobs and would bring opportunity, growth, and "of course, joy to Britain.”

“People said to me, ‘Government will be a roller-coaster,’ and I can testify to that,” Starmer said. “I don’t think this is quite what they meant."

Construction on the park planned on 476 acres (1.93 square kilometers) in a former brickyard in Bedford is expected to be completed by 2031. The town is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of London.

Universal did not say what attractions it would offer at the park, but it has built rides around many of its movie franchises, including “Minions,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Jurassic Park,” “Kung Fu Panda" and “Fast & Furious."

Universal has had a deal with Warner Bros. to create its attractions around the Harry Potter franchise that is based on the books set in Scotland.

The setting is about 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of where Warner Bros. has a studio tour in Watford.

The Universal resort, initially expected to include a 500-room hotel, will be near a major rail line and Luton Airport, which officials recently said would be expanded.

Universal, a division of Comcast Corp., has five entertainment and resort complexes around the world — in Orlando, Florida; Los Angeles; Osaka, Japan; China; and Singapore.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

 People applaud as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

People applaud as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks next to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)
President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh speaks next to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh speaks next to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, shakes hand with President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, shakes hand with President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh at an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, centre, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, second from left, President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh, Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council Laura Church, left, and Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences Mark Woodbury, right, meet on the day of an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, centre, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, second from left, President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh, Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council Laura Church, left, and Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences Mark Woodbury, right, meet on the day of an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Wednesday April 9, 2025. (John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)

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Vegas moves on with 3-2 win in series clincher, as Wild go 1-and-done yet again

 2025-05-02 12:16 Last Updated At：12:21

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Jack Eichel and Mark Stone made clear they belong together, on a Vegas first line that can be one of the most potent in these NHL playoffs.

Eichel and Stone each had a goal and an assist and Adin Hill made 29 saves for the Golden Knights, who became the first Western Conference team to reach the second round with a 3-2 victory in Game 6 that ousted the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night.

“They gave us everything we could handle,” Eichel said. “They played so hard.”

Shea Theodore scored on a power play early in the first period, Eichel got his first goal of the series late in the second period and Stone had the critical late score for Vegas, which will face the winner of the Edmonton-Los Angeles series. The Oilers took a 3-2 lead on the Kings into Game 6 on their home ice later on Thursday.

The Wild have lost nine consecutive series, tied for the third-longest streak in NHL history, according to Sportradar. Their skid of eight straight one-and-done appearances is tied for the second-longest in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Wild, who last made it out of the first round 10 years ago, got two goals from Ryan Hartman, including a wraparound with 3:27 left that came 31 seconds after Stone had given the Golden Knights a two-goal lead.

Stone, who set up Eichel with a long pass out of the zone that was inches out of reach of the stick of Kirill Kaprizov after he dived to try to prevent the breakaway that beat goalie Filip Gustavsson, had four points in the last three games.

“Everyone stepped up at different parts of the series and found ways to contribute,” Eichel said. “That’s how you win this time of year.”

Neither Stone nor Eichel recorded a single point in the first three games, thanks in part to the bruising Wild who frequently took away the middle of the ice and most of the Golden Knights' opportunities to use their speed.

Coach Bruce Cassidy shuffled the lines for Game 4, which helped ignite more of an attack. The absence of Pavel Dorofeyev in Game 6 prompted Cassidy to reunite Eichel and Stone in the top trio alongside William Karlsson.

“They got better as the series went on,” Cassidy said.

Hartman tied the game for the Wild with 4 seconds left in the first period, a goal safe from replay review unlike his go-ahead score in Game 5 with 1:15 remaining in regulation that was revoked for an offside call after Vegas challenged.

The Golden Knights went on to win their second straight overtime decision, before finishing off the Wild with a third consecutive one-goal win.

“We hear the noise of getting by the first round. We understand it,” Wild left wing Marcus Foligno said. “We really felt like we could’ve done it this year, and that’s the disappointing part, right?”

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) skates with the puck while Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson defends the net during the second period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) skates with the puck while Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson defends the net during the second period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

 Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) is congratulated by teammates after scoring during the second period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) is congratulated by teammates after scoring during the second period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

 Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) celebrates after scoring against Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson during the third period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) celebrates after scoring against Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson during the third period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

 Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) battle for the puck during the first period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) battle for the puck during the first period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

 Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) celebrates with teammates after scoring a power play goal during the first period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) celebrates with teammates after scoring a power play goal during the first period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

 Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill watches the play during the first period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill watches the play during the first period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

 Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) battle for the puck during the first period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) battle for the puck during the first period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

 Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the first period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the first period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)
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