TopMenu

Soccer Stadium Pitched for Willets Point

MLS

As officials plan the redevelopment of Willets Point, Queens borough president Melinda Katz has suggested that a soccer stadium could be added to the mix. 

Willets Point, which is located near the New York Mets’ Citi Field, has been targeted for redevelopment for years. Demolition of auto shops in the area continues, meaning that it is still in the early phases of the project.

During her state of the borough address on Friday, Katz argued that a major sports venue–mainly an arena or a soccer stadium–could be one of the project’s anchors. In the case of the arena, it has been known that the New York Islanders are considering the construction of a new venue, with both Queens and Belmont Park believed to be in the mix.

Katz did not offer much in the way specifics about how a stadium or arena plan would take shape. It is worth noting, however, that the MLS also has its own history in the area.

In the years leading up to its inaugural 2015 season, New York City FC proposed a new stadium in the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park area. Multiple issues with that plan eventually emerged, including concerns over the use of public lands for the stadium and potential parking conflicts with the Mets.

NYCFC has still not secured a new soccer-specific stadium, and club officials are continuing their search throughout the city’s five boroughs. Whether that could eventually lead to Willets Point, and if a new stadium will even be developed in that area, remains to be seen, but some officials are offering signs of support. More from DNA info:

“I think it’s opening the door to making it a reality,” Assemblyman Francisco Moya, an avid soccer fan who was in favor of the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park stadium, said of Katz’s plans.

He said it’s a great vision and recognizes the large soccer fan base in Queens.

“I think this is a bold step in terms of economic development planning. Soccer would be the economic engine,” he said.

NYCFC has played it Yankee Stadium since its launch.

RELATED STORIES: Patricof: No News on NYCFC Stadium SearchNew York City FC Partners to Build Fields in New YorkYankee Stadium for Soccer: Good and BadNYC FC Makes MLS Yankee Stadium DebutNYC FC, Orlando City SC enter season on different tracks; Owners mull new NYCFC Queens stadium site

, , ,

August Publications