Mayor Adams, Councilmember Moya, New York City Football Club Break Ground on new Soccer Stadium
NYCFC Breaks Ground on historic,Fully Electric Soccer Stadium in Willets Point
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New York,December 4,2024 – Excitement filled the air today as New York City Mayor Eric Adams,alongside City Councilmember Francisco Moya,Queens Borough President Donovan Richards,and the New York City Football Club (NYCFC),officially broke ground on Etihad Park. This groundbreaking project marks the arrival of New York City’s first professional soccer-specific stadium and Major league Soccer’s (MLS) first fully-electric stadium nationwide.
The state-of-the-art stadium, slated to open for the 2027 MLS season, is being entirely privately financed by NYCFC. Beyond the stadium itself, the project will encompass retail, food and beverage facilities, office space, and “City Square,” a vibrant plaza designed for community gatherings and events.
Etihad Park is a cornerstone of Mayor Adams’ ambitious Willets Point Change, a thorough revitalization project that will reshape the neighborhood. This transformation will deliver 2,500 affordable homes – the city’s largest 100 percent affordable new housing project in 40 years – over 40,000 square feet of public open space, a 250-key hotel, a 650-seat public school, and neighborhood-serving, ground-floor retail shops, creating a wealth of good-paying jobs for local residents.
“Today, 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,” said Mayor Adams. “Along with cohosting the 2026 World Cup with New Jersey, this stadium puts us on the map as a world-class soccer destination, and it makes Willets Point the city’s premier sports hub.”
He emphasized the broader impact of the project, stating, “This stadium is part of our Willets Point Transformation, building a neighborhood with more housing, public space, and a new school out of the Valley of Ashes. We are scoring the city’s largest all-affordable housing project in the past 40 years, a new 650-seat public school for our students, more than 40,000 square feet of public open space, and good-paying jobs and economic chance for local residents.”
First deputy mayor Maria Torres-Springer echoed the sentiment, highlighting the project’s transformative potential: “As we break ground on Etihad Park, we are not only building a world-class soccer stadium, but also creating a vibrant, sustainable community in Willets Point that will benefit New Yorkers for generations to come. 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.”
MLS commissioner Don Garber expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This is a historic moment for New York City FC, Major League Soccer, and everyone who has believed in the promise of soccer in america. We’ve always known that a world-class soccer stadium belongs in New York City. Congratulations and thanks to Mayor Adams, Councilmember Moya, Borough President Richards, and everyone who has made this dream a reality.”
The groundbreaking ceremony marks a meaningful milestone in the Willets Point Transformation, paving the way for a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future for the neighborhood.
NYCFC Breaks Ground on Historic Etihad Park, Ushering in a New Era for Queens Soccer
Queens, NY – Excitement filled the air in Willets point today as New York City Football club (NYCFC) officially broke ground on Etihad Park, a state-of-the-art, fully electric soccer stadium set to become a landmark for the borough and the sport. The groundbreaking ceremony marked a significant milestone in a decade-long journey to bring a dedicated soccer venue to New York City.
“New York City Football Club committed ten years ago to build New York City’s first-ever, soccer-specific stadium in the five boroughs, and today’s groundbreaking of Etihad Park in Willets Point, Queens, brings us one step closer to delivering that promise to our fans and our city,” said marty Edelman, vice chairman, New York City Football Club.The stadium, privately financed and projected to open in 2027, is more than just a venue for professional soccer. It represents a transformative project for willets Point, a neighborhood undergoing a major revitalization.
“Today’s groundbreaking for Etihad Park is the culmination of decades of hard work, perseverance, and vision,” said Councilmember Francisco Moya. ”We carried it across the finish line thru collaboration and with the leadership of Mayor Adams and his management. As an Ecuadorian kid that grew up in Corona, queens whose life has revolved around soccer – I couldn’t be more thrilled to bring this stadium to my neighborhood with union jobs and economic growth.”
Etihad Park is expected to generate $6.1 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years, creating 1,550 permanent jobs and 14,200 construction jobs.
Etihad Park and the Willets Point Transformation.Credit: NYCFC
“Etihad Park is the world-class soccer stadium that Queens and New York City have long deserved,” said andrew Kimball, president and CEO, New York City Economic Advancement Corporation (NYCEDC). ”By building this fully-electric facility entirely privately financed, Etihad Park helps us achieve our climate goals without burdening taxpaying New Yorkers. This stadium is just one part of the historic transformation underway in Willets Point, transforming the ‘Valley of Ashes’ into a brand-new neighborhood that was only achieved through the public and private sector working together to deliver one of the most ambitious developments in the country.”
the project also includes a 35,000 square foot multi-use space called City Square, which will serve as a community programming space operated by NYCFC during non-gamedays.
Mayor Adams’ vision for Willets Point aligns with his broader goals for equitable economic development and affordable housing.
“I am appreciative for Mayor adams’ visionary transformation of Willets Point, which will include our city’s first soccer-specific stadium and Major League Soccer’s first fully electric stadium,” said Congressman [Congressman’s Name].
The groundbreaking of Etihad Park signifies a new chapter for soccer in New York City, promising a world-class venue for fans, a catalyst for economic growth, and a symbol of community revitalization.
Queens Scores Big with Groundbreaking of $780 Million Etihad Park
Willets Point Set to Transform with New Soccer Stadium, Affordable Housing, and Thousands of Jobs
NEW YORK – Excitement filled the air in Queens today as city officials, community leaders, and soccer enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of Etihad Park, a state-of-the-art, 25,000-seat soccer stadium destined to become a landmark in the borough.
The $780 million project,spearheaded by New York City Football Club (NYCFC),is more than just a stadium; it’s the centerpiece of a transformative redevelopment of Willets Point.
“This is a once-in-a-generation transformation for Queens,” declared New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “Etihad Park will be our first ever stadium dedicated to professional soccer,bringing the world’s most popular sport right to our doorsteps.”
The project promises to deliver a wealth of benefits to the surrounding community, including 15,000 good-paying jobs, 2,500 units of affordable housing, over 40,000 square feet of new public space, and 650 new school seats.
“In what F. Scott Fitzgerald once called the ‘Valley of Ashes’ is rising one of Queens’ most triumphant victories,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Etihad Park represents endless possibilities not only for NYCFC, but for the thousands of borough residents who will earn a living wage or grow their business ther.”
The stadium itself will be a marvel of modern engineering, boasting the distinction of being New York City’s first all-electric, privately financed professional sports stadium.
“The Willets Point transformation – anchored by the creation of Etihad Park – represents a new era of development,” said New York City Councilmember Amanda Farias. “From 2,500 affordable homes and new educational opportunities to the nation’s first fully-electric soccer stadium, this project brings together jobs, housing, and environmental sustainability in a way that will uplift the surrounding neighborhoods.”
The project has garnered widespread support from local businesses and labor unions.
“This project will deliver much-needed affordable housing, thousands of jobs, critical community amenities like a new public school, and catalyze economic activity that supports local businesses,” said Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.
Gary LaBarbera,president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York,emphasized the project’s impact on working families. “This project will provide our soccer fans and players with the modernized, world-class venue they deserve and further establish the Willets Point neighborhood as a premier sporting and cultural hub in New york City,” he said.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked a culmination of years of planning and community engagement.
“Exactly one year ago today, our local Community Board 7 overwhelmingly approved Willets Point Phase II, which included this new soccer stadium,” said Chuck Apelian, vice chair of Queens Community Board 7. “Thank you, Mayor Adams, for understanding our concerns and providing this desperately needed police protection for our community. Now let’s ready the shovels – and let’s play soccer!”
With shovels in the ground, the countdown to the opening of Etihad Park has officially begun, promising a shining future for Queens and the world of soccer in New york City.
NYCFC’s Groundbreaking stadium: A Win for Soccer and Queens
NewsDirectory3.com – New York, NY – Today we delve into the exhilarating news of New York City’s first dedicated soccer stadium, Etihad Park, breaking ground in Willets Point. Joined by city officials and soccer enthusiasm alike, we have the opportunity to speak with Andrew Kimball, President and CEO of the New york City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), who played a pivotal role in bringing this enterprising project to life.
NewsDirectory3: Mr. Kimball, congratulations on this momentous occasion! Etihad Park represents a significant milestone for both soccer and the revitalization of Willets Point. Can you elaborate on the impact this project will have on the neighborhood and the city as a whole?
Andrew Kimball: Thank you! This is truly an exciting day. Etihad Park isn’t just a stadium; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and a cornerstone of the wider Willets Point Conversion. This project will inject new life into the neighborhood, creating thousands of jobs, generating billions in economic activity, and providing much-needed affordable housing.
We are talking about 2,500 new affordable housing units – the city’s largest 100% affordable project in 40 years – a new public school, public open space, and a vibrant mix of retail and community space. Etihad Park is the catalyst for this transformation, anchoring a truly enduring and inclusive community.
NewsDirectory3: It’s clear that this project extends far beyond the soccer field. This is a true community development initiative.
andrew Kimball: Absolutely.
We are prioritizing community engagement throughout this entire process, ensuring residents have a voice and benefit directly from this development.”City Square,” a multi-use space within Etihad Park, will be a hub for community programming and events, fostering a sense of belonging and shared ownership.
NewsDirectory3: The project is also notable for being fully electric, reflecting the city’s commitment to sustainability.
Andrew kimball: we are proud that Etihad Park will be the first fully electric stadium in Major League Soccer. This is a exhibition of our commitment to a greener future and aligns with the city’s ambitious climate goals. By sustainably powering this world-class venue, we are setting a new standard for the sports industry and demonstrating that economic development and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
NewsDirectory3: What message does this groundbreaking ceremony send to the world about New york City’s commitment to soccer?
Andrew Kimball: this is a message loud and clear: New York City is a global soccer city. By investing in a dedicated, state-of-the-art stadium, we are proving our commitment to the sport and creating a home for NYCFC and its passionate fanbase. We are excited to welcome fans from across the globe to Etihad Park and establish New York City as a premier soccer destination.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for your time, Mr. Kimball. we look forward to witnessing the unbelievable transformation of Willets Point and the electrifying atmosphere at etihad Park when it opens its doors in 2027.