Soccer is a beloved sport in New York City. It is also home to a large community of international soccer fans, who gather at bars and restaurants across the city to watch live matches from around the world. And if you’re a soccer fan stationed in NYC, well, you must rejoice! Why? Because New York is officially getting its first soccer stadium.
New York Gets Its First Soccer Stadium
The city is home to two professional soccer clubs, New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls. And now, New York City FC has released a first look at its plans to build a new 25,000-seat stadium complex in Willets Points in Queens, the first soccer-specific stadium in the city.
The project proposal calls for 40,000 square feet of public open space, a school, a hotel, and ground-floor retail outlets for the Willets Point neighbourhood in addition to the $780 million stadium. According to NYCFC, the stadium, which will be privately financed, is expected to be completed in time for the 2027 MLS season.
Willets Points in Queens is also a major attraction in NYC. The Citi Field of the New York Mets is also located in Willets Point, and the new stadium for NYCFC will be located across the street from the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre, which hosts the US Open tennis tournament.
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The Craze For New York City FC
New York City FC, founded in 2013, plays in Major League Soccer (MLS). The team has a strong following among soccer fans in the city, and its games are well-attended by supporters. The team’s colours are sky blue and navy blue, which are a nod to the New York Yankees, and its badge features the iconic image of the Statue of Liberty.
New York City FC has had a successful run in MLS since its inception, qualifying for the playoffs in six out of eight seasons. The team has had several notable players on its roster over the years. Spanish international striker David Villa was the team’s captain and all-time leading scorer until his departure in 2018. Other key players on the team have included midfielder Maxi Moralez and defender Anton Tinnerholm, both of whom have been named to the MLS Best XI team for their performances on the field.
What do you think of the new New York City soccer stadium?
Image Credits: Twitter/New York City FC