We have updated renderings for a new NYCFC stadium in Willets Point, as the MLS team and Queens Development Group brief Community Board 7 on the latest plans for the development.
The privately funded new NYCFC stadium–New York City’s first-ever 25,000-seat soccer-specific stadium–is a key part of the Willets Point Revitalization Plan, billed as the city’s largest 100 percent affordable housing development in 40 years. The meeting to update Community Board 7 on the project, as backed by Queens Development Group (QDG)–the Related and Sterling Equities joint venture–happens quarterly.
The renderings, according to the development group, show active open common areas—providing ample space for sitting, food carts, greenery, exercise, and other recreational uses for the community. Between buildings, residents and visitors will have access to pedestrianized community thoroughfares allowing for family-friendly amenities, including small business retail and passive recreation. Additionally, the housing will be centered around a safe, pedestrian-friendly main street populated by additional local retail and other small businesses. The neighborhood will also include over 40,000 square feet of public open space, a 650-seat school, a 250-key hotel, and ground-floor retail shops.
The latest update to the community board with draft renderings show NYCFC’s $780-million, privately financed, soccer-specific stadium. It will also provide a permanent home for the Club’s award-winning foundation, City in the Community (CITC). It has built 50 community pitches, served 30,000 NYC youth, and established a strong presence in all five boroughs.
“This project presents an incredible vision for Queens, and as we continue our community engagement process, we are grateful to see how impactful it will be for the people of the world’s borough,” said Jeff Blau, CEO, Related Companies; and Jeff Wilpon, Sterling Equities, via press release. “Delivering 2,500 affordable homes–and working with NYCFC to build a world-class stadium that is truly integrated into the community–will enable countless families to realize the dream of a high-quality home.”
“As if the dynamic plans to transform Willets Point to an affordable new community for thousands of New Yorkers and a destination for so many others were not inspiring enough, these initial designs make it even more so,” said New York City Councilmember Francisco Moya via press release. “The integration of the residential buildings with the open space and stadium is a true model for how neighborhoods should be built, and is a critical step for how this vision will come to life in a way that puts housing first, prioritizes the pedestrian experience, and will be built with union labor. The welcoming ‘front door’ to the new Willets serves as a powerful symbol of investment in a corner for Queens that has languished for too long but stands to become a beacon for the borough and the City.”
“From the beginning, New York City Football Club has understood the importance of strong communication and collaboration with Mayor 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,” said Marty Edelman, Vice Chairman, New York City Football Club, via press 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.”
New renderings unveil the stadium’s signature architectural element: an activated cube entranceway designed as a warm, experiential welcome to fans and community members. On match days, the cube will be illuminated with vibrant imagery inspiring a dynamic experience from the moment you approach NYCFC’s new home.
Aerial views of the neighborhood showcase how this project will transform this long-blighted patch of land into an interconnected new community– one that seamlessly integrates a world-class sports facility with 100% affordable housing. Additionally, these views demonstrate access to public transit via LIRR, 7 line subway, and Q48 bus that will support the local residents and the majority of fans attending matches at NYCFC’s soccer-specific stadium.
The new NYCFC stadium will be located along the edge of 126th Street, integrating into the city grid to optimize land use and incorporate public open space. In addition to providing a home for NYCFC, the stadium will provide a variety of year-round amenities and events. Designed with a pedestrian-friendly scale, the stadium will showcase cutting-edge technology, offer flexibility, and create a grand arrival experience. The site is adjacent to the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center and the New York Mets’ Citi Field, creating a world-class destination for sports and entertainment in Queens.
Following the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) approval process, construction on the $780 million project aims to be completed for the Club to play in its new stadium for the 2027 MLS Season.
The entire project will enter the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) approval process later this year and will be reviewed by the New York City Public Design Commission. NYCFC will work to finalize the stadium design to align with entering the ULURP approval process later this year.
RELATED STORIES: New NYCFC stadium design, construction firms announced; NYC Mayor Adams unveils NYCFC MLS stadium plan; Reports: NYCFC, NYC close to deal on new Flushing Meadows stadium; Poll: South Bronx Residents Favor Potential NYCFC Stadium; Bronx Reportedly in the Mix for New NYCFC Stadium; Club President: NYCFC is Still Searching for Stadium Site; Garber: NYCFC Continues to Search New York City for New Stadium; Report: NYCFC Stadium Pitched for Harlem River Yards Development