NYCFC offers first look at supporters’ section for new stadium

New York City Football Club (NYCFC) has unveiled the first renderings of its supporters’ section at the Willets Point stadium which is being built in time for the 2027 MLS season.

The 25,000-seat stadium is due to include what is currently being called the Supporters’ Porch, a 9,000-square-foot outdoor space that will be able to accommodate around 1,200 fans on matchdays.

Similar to a beer hall, the Porch will feature a 400-square-foot LED display and a dedicated tap bar, a multitude of food options and seating. It will also be available for private event use on non-game days.

In addition to the hospitality offerings, the stadium’s north end will be designed to accommodate safe standing for 3,400 fans, along with three ‘capo’ stands, and a drum platform. It is set to be the steepest stand in Major League Soccer and will be 90% covered by a roof canopy from which fans will be able to hang tifo displays.

The stadium project is being privately financed at a cost of $780m (£620m/€720m) and was overwhelmingly backed last month, with the New York City Council approving construction by 47 votes to one.

The stadium is part of the Willets Point Phase II Redevelopment Plan which also includes 2,500 new affordable homes, more than 40,000 square feet of open public space, a hotel, and retail space.

The stadium is set to be the first fully electric venue in MLS. Its design has a focus on renewable energy, with solar panels to be installed on the roof to maximise energy generation.

It is due to be NYCFC’s first dedicated home as the club has previously played at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, sharing with baseball teams the New York Yankees and New York Mets, respectively.

Willets Point will be within walking distance of Citi Field and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, which is the home of major tennis tournament the US Open.

Plans for the project were first announced in November 2022. The New York City Planning Commission approved the stadium venture in March as NYCFC unveiled renderings of The Cube, the eye-catching entrance for the facility.

NYCFC last month selected Legends to lead suite and premium seating sales for its new home.