NYCFC's Etihad Park: A Game-Changer for Queens

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New York City Football Club (NYCFC) and Etihad Airways have announced a groundbreaking partnership: a new 25,000-seat soccer-specific stadium in Willets Point, Queens, named Etihad Park.

This isn't just a stadium; it's the centerpiece of a massive $6.1 billion redevelopment project, creating 1,550 permanent jobs and 14,200 construction jobs. The project also includes 2,500 affordable housing units, a new school, a hotel, and over 150,000 square feet of public space.

A Stadium with a Social Impact

Etihad Airways' decade-long support of NYCFC's community initiatives through City in the Community (CITC) has been instrumental. The partnership has already resulted in 50 mini-pitches across the city, providing free soccer programs, with plans for 26 more before the FIFA World Cup 2026.

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A First for NYC & MLS

Etihad Park will be the first fully electric sports stadium in New York City and the entire Major League Soccer (MLS) league. It's set to open before the 2027 MLS regular season and is envisioned as a multi-purpose venue, hosting not only soccer matches, but also concerts, festivals, and community events.

What the CEOs Said

Brad Sims (NYCFC CEO): "Etihad Park will symbolize our deep investment in New York City and become a soccer cathedral in the United States." He emphasized the stadium's role as a community hub.

Antonoaldo Neves (Etihad Airways CEO): "This venue will become a landmark sports destination in the US. We’ve supported New York City FC since 2014, and our values align with theirs, promoting soccer in neighborhoods and providing spaces for everyone to play."

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