NYC breaks ground on first soccer-specific stadium, Etihad Park

New York City Football Club Mayor Eric Adams, Councilmember Francisco Moya, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and the New York City Football Club (NYCFC) have officially broken ground on Etihad Park.

Slated to open for the 2027 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, the stadium will be New York City’s first professional soccer-specific venue and the nation’s first fully electric stadium. This ambitious project is part of the Willets Point Transformation, a $3 billion initiative set to redefine the area with affordable housing, job creation, and modern infrastructure.

“This is a historic day for our city and soccer fans,” Mayor Adams declared. “Etihad Park will not only cement New York City as a global soccer destination but also breathe new life into Willets Point, creating thousands of jobs, affordable homes, and critical community infrastructure. We’re turning the Valley of Ashes into a beacon of opportunity.”

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The Willets Point Transformation is the city’s largest 100% affordable housing initiative in four decades, including 2,500 units of affordable homes, a 650-student public school, a 250-key hotel, and 40,000 square feet of public open space. The first phase, featuring 880 affordable units, is set for completion by 2026, with 220 units reserved for low-income seniors.

“This stadium marks a new chapter not just for soccer but for Queens,” said Councilmember Moya. “As a kid who grew up playing soccer in Corona, I’m thrilled to see this vision come to life in my neighborhood.”

Etihad Park is a privately financed endeavor, with NYCFC investing $780 million in the 25,000-seat stadium. The project is expected to generate $6.1 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years, including 1,500 permanent jobs and 14,200 construction jobs. A Project Labor Agreement with the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York ensures union jobs for local residents.

“This is a win for workers, soccer fans, and our city,” said Gary LaBarbera, president of the council. “Etihad Park will provide modern amenities while creating good-paying union jobs that uplift families.”

NYCFC Vice Chairman Marty Edelman emphasized the club’s decade-long commitment to building the stadium in the five boroughs. “This is a monumental moment for NYCFC and the city, delivering a world-class venue for fans and players alike.”

The development also incorporates community-oriented features, such as “City Square,” a 35,000-square-foot plaza for public programming, and outreach through NYCFC’s *City in the Community* foundation.

Etihad Park joins Citi Field and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in transforming Willets Point into a sports and entertainment hub. Convenient access to public transit ensures sustainability, with no new parking facilities planned. Instead, NYCFC will share Citi Field’s parking on event days.

“Willets Point will become a beacon of investment and opportunity,” said Donovan Richards, Queens Borough President. “Etihad Park represents the limitless potential of Queens.”

With the support of key stakeholders and the community, Etihad Park is set to redefine the borough’s identity and elevate New York City as a global soccer capital. As Congressman Adriano Espaillat put it, “This is a visionary project that will strengthen neighborhoods, create economic opportunities, and transform lives.”