In a major development for New York City FC (NYCFC), the long-awaited plan to construct a stadium in the five boroughs has recently received unanimous approval from the New York City Planning Commission. The proposal will now proceed to the New York City Council for further consideration, including a public hearing and vote. Should it pass through these stages and gain the mayor's approval, an appeal process would follow, though the club remains optimistic that the plan will encounter no significant hurdles.

NYCFC CEO Brad Sims expressed excitement about the progress made, stating that the various processes necessary for the project's realization have been advancing simultaneously. Alongside the political process and design phase, preparations for clearing and remediating the chosen site in Willets Point, Queens near Citi Field and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center have been underway. Sims confidently declared that, come late summer, the club will be prepared to commence construction, eagerly anticipating the start of a new chapter for NYCFC.

To commemorate this landmark moment, NYCFC and Sims revealed updated renderings of the primary entrance to the planned stadium. The vision for the entrance, dubbed "The Cube," showcases a striking seven-story tall structure adorned with LED lighting. This spectacular feature, spanning 11,000 square feet, will be capable of projecting dynamic video, photographs, and graphic elements, setting it apart from other sporting venues in the New York area and across North America. The innovative design aims to provide fans with a truly unique sense of arrival at the sports event.

The stadium project is estimated to cost $780 million, entirely privately financed. Once completed, the stadium will have a seating capacity of 25,000, making it the seventh-largest soccer-specific stadium in MLS, on par with the New York Red Bulls' venue along the Hudson River. Sims emphasized the productive collaboration between NYCFC and the neighboring New York Mets, with ongoing discussions focusing on parking plans, game day operations, scheduling, and opportunities to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood. Sims expressed pride in the stadium's embodiment of the spirit of New York City, whether fans are seated near the pitch or exploring various areas within the facility.

Sims drew comparisons to renowned stadiums such as Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, Craven Cottage, and Selhurst Park, emphasizing that the Willets Point location would foster a community-centric atmosphere. Moreover, the stadium's accessibility via public transportation, particularly from Long Island, stands as another appealing aspect of the site. The area currently consists primarily of vacant lots that once housed auto repair and parts shops, while the Mets' owner has proposed a plan to transform a nearby parking lot into parkland, restaurants, and community spaces.

NYCFC's planning process has involved consultations with other MLS teams that recently built stadiums, seeking insights into the successes and challenges faced during their respective projects. Sims expressed confidence that NYCFC's dedicated fan base will thoroughly enjoy the upcoming stadium, which will serve as a long-term home for the club. Since its establishment as an MLS expansion club in 2013, NYCFC has played its home matches at various venues, including Yankee Stadium, Red Bull Arena, Citi Field, Belson Stadium, and BMO Stadium. However, the club remains determined to make its debut at the new stadium in 2027.

As NYCFC's stadium project continues to progress, fans eagerly anticipate the day when they can cheer on their beloved team within the vibrant energy of their very own soccer-specific stadium.