The New York City Planning Commission unanimously voted to approve NYCFC’s Willets Point stadium, the second phase of a massive project that includes a 25,000-seat arena that will be directly across Seaver Way from Citi Field. The proposal now moves to the New York City Council, which has 50 days to approve it. A public hearing is set for Tuesday to start that process.
The team plans to nickname the entrance to the venue “The Cube,” an LED-lined entryway that will be over seven stories high. The privately financed project is estimated to cost $780 million. NYCFC released a video and renderings of the proposed stadium today. To see them, click here.
Photo via NYCFC
“The cube represents stability and permanence,” a statement from NYCFC read, according to am New York. This is the Club’s home and it’s here to stay. The equal dimensions represent equality and fair play – two values that are at the heart of the Club.”
The venue is expected to be the first fully electric stadium (with an array of solar panels installed on the stadium roof) in Major League Soccer and New York City. The project also includes 80,000 square feet of retail space, a 250-room hotel, 2,500 housing units and nearly three acres of public open space on surrounding land.
The city approved and broke ground on the first phase of the project last year. If the second phase is approved, construction may begin this year and the stadium may be completed in 2027, the Daily News reported. The hotel and housing units would be estimated for 2030.
NYCFC has played most of its home games at Yankee Stadium since its 2015 debut. In 2024, Citi Field will host six of their home games.
