New York City FC's new stadium – everything you need to know

Last week, New York City FC fans finally received the long awaited news: their club is getting a stadium.  Mayor Eric Adams, the club, and other city officials made the announcement as a part of the Willets Point project.  The project is supposed to re-develop the area, and include affordable housing, new and improved infrastructure, shops, open space, and more.

This news is welcoming, for the Pigeons have never felt truly at home at Yankee Stadium.  Mostly this is due to the fact that they are mere tenants, and anytime the Yankees need the stadium, NYCFC is kicked out. 

Hence, this can lead to a multitude of home stadiums, and unfortunately the 2022 season has seen this to be the case.  The Traveling Pigeons did institute Citi Field into their schedule this past season, so it would not be surprising if they continue to do that in the upcoming seasons.  Hopefully, they do not have six different home stadiums this time around.

What happened in 2022 is why the knowledge of a future stadium is key.  For years, fans just wanted an announcement, because they know how New York City works.  It might take some time for the new home to be built and ready for games, but at least the club is one step closer to that goal.  So, let’s take a look at some fast facts about the new stadium. 

Where does New York City FC play their home games now?

Currently, New York City FC plays predominantly at Yankee Stadium.  As mentioned, they have had a multitude of home stadiums since their “home” is not always available.  As such, this has led them to play more games at Citi Field, and reluctantly, Red Bull Arena.

The Pigeons were forced to play more at the New Jersey stadium in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID pandemic, but fortunately, the club listened to the fans, and reduced that tremendously in 2022.  That is why more home games at Citi Field were instituted in 2022, and it is expected a similar schedule will be released for 2023.

Where will New York City FC's new stadium be built?

After years of trying to bring a stadium to the Bronx, NYCFC will eventually make the permanent move to Queens.  More specifically, it will be located in Willets Point, and near Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets.

When will New York City FC's new stadium be finished?

It is expected to be completed by 2027.  Still, that should be taken with a grain of salt, for New York City is notorious for dealing with constructions delays.  Ideally it will be ready to go by then, but it would not be shocking if the opening is pushed by a year or two.

How to get to New York City FC's new stadium

Like Citi Field, the new home for NYCFC will be near both the subway and Long Island Railroad, or LIRR.  Fans will have access to the 7 line for the subway, and then the Mets-Willets Point station for the LIRR via the Port Washington Branch. 

In addition, the new stadium will share parking with Citi Field.  Therefore, if fans do not want to take public transportation, then they can easily drive to the stadium.  In fact, some New Yorkers would argue that it is easier to drive to Citi Field as compared to Yankee Stadium.

What will the NYCFC stadium look like?

There are no final plans for the building of the stadium, including what it will look like. 

How many people will the new NYCFC stadium seat?

As of right now, the plan is for the stadium to have 25,000 seats.  Although, reports have come out that the amount is not set in stone.  Depending on the attendance levels over the next few years, NYCFC radio broadcaster Roberto Abramowitz said the capacity can change. 

Plus, the team could think about other events that could occur at the stadium, from concerts to other sporting events.  A higher capacity would allow for more events.  Of course, if the club would only average around 20,000 fans a game, with a few sellouts each year, then it would make sense to cap it at 25,000, rather than 30,000.  At the same time, it would be smart to facilitate the ability to add on in the future, especially if Major League Soccer continues to grow. 

What will New York City FC have at the new stadium?

Again, that is unknown at the moment.  New York City FC has plenty of time to figure that out, and over time, details will slowly be revealed.