NYCFC stadium construction begins amid soaring costs and community concern
- Construction has officially begun on Etihad Park, the 25,000-seat stadium in Queens next to Citi Field.
- The stadium is designed to be fully electric and will serve as the home for NYCFC starting in 2027 while cohosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
- This project represents the largest affordable housing initiative in NYC in 40 years and is expected to generate significant economic impacts.
In a significant development for Major League Soccer in the United States, New York City officials marked the beginning of construction for Etihad Park, a new soccer stadium in Willets Point, Queens. The ground-breaking ceremony took place on December 4, 2024, and was attended by important figures, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams and City Councilman Francisco Moya. This project, which represents a culmination of a 12-year effort to secure a professional soccer venue in the city, is privately funded at an estimated $780 million and is anticipated to serve as the home stadium for New York City FC starting in 2027. The stadium will feature a capacity of 25,000 seats and is designed to be fully electric-powered, underlining the city’s commitment to sustainable practices. Beyond serving as the home of NYCFC, the venue is set to co-host the finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thereby further elevating New York City's standing in the global sports arena. City Councilman Francisco Moya expressed optimism about the project, stating that it will forever change the landscape of the city by enhancing its role in professional sports. The developers, a joint venture comprised of NYCFC and the Queens Development Group, particularly Related Companies and Sterling Enterprises, have also revealed plans for significant infrastructure development in the area. The project includes around $200 million in public funding to enhance local infrastructure and the integration of 2,500 affordable housing units in the neighborhood, part of a broader initiative for housing improvement in the city. Mayor Adams emphasized that this represents the largest affordable housing project in New York City in 40 years, incorporating diverse living options for residents. Construction on the first phase of the housing project commenced in December 2023, with plans for 1,100 affordable housing units, including 880 apartments expected to be completed by the end of 2026, while also addressing the specific needs of low-income seniors. The overall vision for Willets Point aims not only at providing quality residential options but also includes educational facilities—a 650-seat public school, a 250-room hotel, and a planned city square offering retail and dining options. The projected economic impact is substantial, expecting to generate around $6.1 billion over the next 30 years and creating more than 1,550 permanent jobs alongside 14,000 construction jobs, marking a transformative moment for both New York City FC and the city's socio-economic landscape.