It’s been nine years of pitch-related jokes at Yankee Stadium but at long last, NYCFC have announced their plans for a soccer-specific stadium that will debut in the 2027 MLS season.
The 25,000-seater will be a defining landmark in Queen’s Willets Point neighborhood and as part of the Willets Point Revitalization Plan, the privately financed $780 million stadium is part of a project that includes an estimated 2,500, 100% affordable housing units in a pedestrian-friendly area.
Lauding 21st-century urban planning principles, the project will also include 40,000 sq. ft. of public open space, a school, 250 room hotel, and ground floor retail shops.
The unveiling, presented this week to local municipalities, is ahead of the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure approval process that takes place later this year. Once that process is completed and the New York City Public Design Commission approves, construction will begin.
“From the beginning, New York City Football Club has understood the importance of strong communication and collaboration with mayor [Eric] Adams, councilmember Francisco Moya, borough president Richards, and the local Queens community as we move forward with plans for a privately financed soccer-specific stadium,” Marty Edelman, NYCFC’s vice chairman, said in a release.
“This continued investment in New York City will create a long-overdue home for our first team, and create a new neighborhood for Queens.”
The renderings show that more than an adequate home for the 2021 MLS Cup champions, the new stadium will be a neighborhood hub and asset for the city at-large, housing their foundation, City in the Community.
City in the Community has served over 30,000 NYC youths, built 50 community pitches, and has a strong presence across the five boroughs.
Another key aspect of the complex is the seamless interconnectivity the stadium presents to its surrounding areas with easy access to the Long Island Railroad, 7-line subway, and the Q48 bus stop.
For many, playing soccer on a baseball field was indicative of American footballing culture and how it plays second-fiddle to more established sports. To be honest, televised matches at Yankee Stadium looked a lot worse than in real life but hopefully the derisions against the team’s tenure there will come to an end.
This article was originally published on 90min as NYCFC unveil soccer-specific stadium renderings for new home in 2027.
