The New York City Council approved the construction of a privately financed soccer stadium at Willets Point in Queens for the New York City Football Club. This project would include the stadium, approximately 1,400 units of affordable housing, a hotel, retail space, and open space. The city would retain ownership of the land and lease it to the club for 49 years. The stadium is estimated to cost $780 million and open in 2027, with construction financed by City Football Group.
The New York Yankees own a 20 percent stake in the N.Y.C.F.C., which has been playing most of its home games at Yankee Stadium. However, the club has been seeking a soccer-specific stadium in New York due to the poor sightlines at baseball stadiums. The proposed stadium at Willets Point would be the city’s first professional soccer stadium and first major new sports venue since the Barclays Center opened in 2012. Previous proposals for an N.Y.C.F.C. stadium in other locations were eventually abandoned, but the approval at Willets Point signals progress for the club’s quest for a permanent home.
Mayor Eric Adams championed the project, emphasizing the benefits of housing and transforming the underused area of Willets Point into an entertainment and residential hub. Councilman Francisco Moya, who represents the Queens district, has been advocating for the project for a decade. The lone dissenting vote came from Shekar Krishnan, who raised concerns about giving away public land for a commercial soccer stadium. A study by the Independent Budget Office estimated the real public cost of the project to be at least $516 million over the 49-year lease term.
The proposed soccer stadium at Willets Point would be a significant development for both the N.Y.C.F.C. and the city, providing a much-needed home for the club and contributing to the revitalization of the area. The approval of the project by the City Council marks a milestone in the club’s efforts to secure a permanent stadium in New York City, addressing the frustrations of loyal fans who have been awaiting a soccer-specific venue. The collaboration between the club and the city highlights the potential for private financing to support major infrastructure projects.
The construction of the N.Y.C.F.C. stadium in Queens has garnered support from Mayor Eric Adams and other city officials, who see it as a positive step towards addressing the city’s housing and redevelopment needs. The stadium project is part of a larger plan to transform Willets Point into a vibrant community with entertainment, residential, and commercial spaces. While concerns have been raised about the cost and impact of the project, supporters believe it will have a positive long-term effect on the city’s sports and entertainment landscape.
Overall, the approval of the soccer stadium project at Willets Point in Queens represents a significant development for the New York City Football Club and the city as a whole. The collaboration between the club, city officials, and private investors demonstrates the potential for major infrastructure projects to drive economic growth and urban revitalization. As construction progresses, the stadium is expected to bring new opportunities for sports fans, residents, and businesses in the area, contributing to the ongoing transformation of Willets Point into a vibrant and diverse community.
