NYCFC Begins Construction of First Soccer-Specific Stadium in New York
New York City Football Club (NYCFC) has reached a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of Etihad Park, the city’s first soccer-specific stadium. Located in Queens’ Willets Point neighborhood, this 25,000-seat venue aims to redefine the city’s sports landscape while addressing longstanding urban development challenges.
On December 4, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams, NYCFC representatives, and local leaders gathered to celebrate the $780 million project’s commencement. Mayor Adams emphasized its importance, stating, “We are breaking ground on Etihad Park—our city’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium—for NYCFC to call home and finally deliver New Yorkers the soccer stadium they deserve.”
The transformation of Willets Point: A $3 billion redevelopment project
Once derided as the ‘Valley of Ashes’, Willets Point is undergoing a $3 billion redevelopment, with Etihad Park as its centerpiece. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the area through housing, retail, education, and public spaces.
Key elements include 2,500 units of affordable housing, with the first 880 expected by late 2026. Among these, 220 units will be reserved for low-income seniors. The plan also includes a 650-seat public school, a 250-room hotel, retail spaces, and over 40,000 square feet of public areas, including a welcoming ‘City Square’ at the stadium’s entrance.
The project is expected to create approximately 14,200 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent positions, providing economic benefits and new opportunities for local residents. Partnerships with trade unions ensure community involvement and fair employment practices.
Etihad Park: Pioneering sustainability in sports infrastructure
Etihad Park stands out as the first fully electric stadium in the MLS. Its environmentally conscious design aligns with New York’s climate goals and represents a leap forward in sustainable sports venues.
Privately financed by NYCFC with assistance from J.P. Morgan, the project places no financial burden on taxpayers. First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer praised this collaboration, saying, “This transformational project exemplifies the power of public-private collaboration to deliver affordable housing, good-paying jobs, and a cutting-edge, fully electric sports venue—all while advancing our city’s climate goals.” Etihad Park’s design reduces energy consumption and emissions, setting a precedent for innovation in sports infrastructure.
The sports hub of Queens: Etihad Park’s strategic location
Nestled near Citi Field and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Etihad Park bolsters Queens’ position as a premier sports hub. Its proximity to these iconic venues ensures year-round activity and positions the area as a key player in New York’s cultural and athletic offerings.
Councilmember Francisco Moya, a champion of the project, stated, “From the moment I was elected, I knew I was going to bring a soccer stadium to Queens. This project will not only provide a dedicated home for NYCFC but will also create a vibrant, thriving community space that Queens deserves.”
Scheduled to open in time for the 2027 MLS season, Etihad Park will give NYCFC a dedicated home, strengthening its identity and fan base. The venue’s exclusive design promises an unrivaled matchday atmosphere, providing a foundation for the sport’s growth in New York and across the United States. The redevelopment is expected to generate $6.1 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years.
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