August 13, 2025
Key Highlights
- Historic Milestone – New York City’s first-ever professional soccer stadium is officially under construction in Willets Point, set to open in 2027.
- Massive Economic Driver – The $3B redevelopment will deliver $6.1B in long-term economic impact, create thousands of jobs, and transform Queens into a premier sports hub.
- Mixed-Use Game Changer – Affordable housing, retail, hotels, schools, and public spaces will rise alongside the stadium, setting a new benchmark for urban redevelopment.
Willets Point in Queens is undergoing one of the most ambitious urban transformations in New York City history. At the heart of this rebirth is Etihad Park, the first-ever professional soccer-specific stadium in the five boroughs, and the first fully electric stadium in Major League Soccer. This project is more than a sports venue — it’s the cornerstone of a $3 billion mixed-use community designed to breathe new life into a once-neglected industrial area.
Led by the Queens Development Group — a joint venture between Related Companies, Sterling Equities, and New York City FC — the redevelopment will cover 23 acres (9.3 hectares) and combine world-class sports infrastructure with 2,500 affordable homes, a 250-room hotel, a 650-seat public school, and over 40,000 square feet of public space. The new neighborhood is designed to thrive year-round, with retail shops, restaurants, and community plazas that ensure Willets Point becomes a vibrant hub even on non-game days.
For the commercial real estate sector, Etihad Park is a transformative anchor. Its presence will draw crowds, stimulate retail demand, drive hospitality growth, and establish the Willets Point district as a sports and entertainment magnet alongside Citi Field and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. It’s a model for how sports-led redevelopment can supercharge neighborhood revitalization while generating lasting economic impact.
Construction Phases of Etihad Park
- December 2023 – Phase 1 begins with environmental remediation and construction of the first 880 affordable homes, including 220 units for low-income seniors.
- April 2024 – NYC Council approves Phase 2 via the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, greenlighting the stadium and mixed-use components.
- August 2025 – Foundation laid for the Supporters Porch as major stadium construction advances.
- 2026 – Completion of Phase 1 housing, with residents expected to move in by year-end.
- 2027 – Official opening of Etihad Park for New York City FC’s MLS season.
- 2030 – Full completion of the Willets Point redevelopment, including all housing, retail, public spaces, and amenities.
Features of Etihad Park
- Capacity & Design – 25,000-seat soccer-specific stadium with intimate bowl design for optimal fan experience.
- Iconic Entryway – “The Cube” — a seven-story angular entrance with 11,000+ sq ft of LED panels celebrating Queens’ cultural diversity.
- Premium Amenities – City Suites, Pitchside Lounges, and adaptable spaces for concerts and special events.
- Community Integration – City Square plaza for year-round community use, plus retail and club spaces open to the public.
- Sustainability Leadership – MLS’s first fully electric stadium, aiming for LEED Gold certification, rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and locally sourced materials.
- Transit Connectivity – Direct access to the Mets-Willets Point subway and Long Island Rail Road stations; shared parking agreement with Citi Field.
- Economic Catalyst – Modeled after St. Louis’s soccer stadium success, with design elements meant to activate surrounding streets and spur ongoing development.
Commercial Real Estate Impact
Etihad Park is poised to be a commercial real estate powerhouse. Anchored in a master-planned neighborhood with sports, housing, hospitality, and retail, the stadium will drive steady year-round foot traffic — a rare advantage in urban development. Retailers and restaurants will benefit from matchday crowds and ongoing community events, while nearby hotels will capitalize on sports tourism. The stadium’s proximity to Citi Field and the USTA complex cements Willets Point as a tri-venue sports district, boosting property values and attracting investor interest.
For Queens, this is more than a sports project — it’s a redefinition of the borough’s economic future. Etihad Park will not only deliver a home for New York City FC but will also kick off a new era of integrated sports-driven redevelopment that could serve as a blueprint for other cities. By 2030, what was once the “valley of ashes” will be a thriving destination, proving that with the right vision, sports and commercial real estate can score big together.
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