Construction Begins on New York City’s First-Ever Professional Soccer-Specific Stadium, Etihad Park

Turner Construction Company begins construction on New York City FC’s Etihad Park in Queens.

The construction of the first professional soccer-specific stadium in New York City history has become a historic moment for both the city and the sport. The construction of Etihad Park, a $780 million state of the art stadium located in Willets Point, Queens has been initiated by Turner Construction Company and New York City FC.

This is a groundbreaking project that New York City FC has financed in its entirety is about to change the soccer experience and benefit the community. The 610,000 square foot facility will have 25,000 seats and will become the first fully electric stadium in the United States for Major League Soccer.

Etihad Park Sustainability

The stadium is environmentally friendly and has features like rooftop photovoltaic panels and a water reuse system to irrigate the pitch. The stadium will also have over 40 private suites, three exclusive clubs and the City Square which is a vibrant plaza for community events. The project will also include retail, dining and office space that will help to transform Willets Point.

“New York City FC made a promise a decade ago to create a soccer-specific stadium within the five boroughs of New York City. With construction now underway on Etihad Park in Willets Point, Queens, we are one step closer to delivering on that commitment to both our fans and the city,” said Marty Edelman, Vice Chairman of New York City FC.

Charles Whitney, Vice President and General Manager at Turner Construction Company said, “We are excited to begin construction on Etihad Park. This project will be a landmark for soccer fans and the cornerstone of the Willets Point community. We appreciate the collaboration with New York City FC, HOK and our trade partners and we are determined to build a facility that embodies the spirit and energy of New York.”

Scheduled to open in time for the 2027 MLS season, Etihad Park will position New York City as a premier soccer destination in the United States. This milestone project also advances sustainable design in sports infrastructure while bolstering local pride.

The transformation of Willets Point extends beyond the stadium. The broader redevelopment includes 2,500 affordable homes, a 250-key hotel built by Queens Development Group, 1,500 permanent jobs, 14,200 construction jobs, and a 650-student public school. New York City held Etihad Park’s groundbreaking on December 4, 2024.

Construction Begins on NYC FC’s Etihad Park

Project Overview

Location: Willets Point, Queens, New York City

Total Cost: $780 million

Size: 610,000 square feet

Capacity: 25,000 seats

Developer: New York City FC (fully financed)

General Contractor: Turner Construction Company

Expected Completion: 2027 MLS season

Etihad Park Key Features

First soccer-specific stadium in New York City

First fully electric MLS stadium in the United States

40+ private suites

Three exclusive clubs

City Square community plaza

Retail, dining, and office spaces

Rooftop photovoltaic panels

Water reuse system for pitch irrigation

Community Impact

Part of larger Willets Point redevelopment

2,500 affordable homes

250-key hotel (by Queens Development Group)

1,500 permanent jobs created

14,200 construction jobs

New 650-student public school

Etihad Park Construction Project Timeline

Groundbreaking: December 4, 2024

Projected Opening: 2027 MLS season

Sustainability Features

Fully electric facility

Solar power integration

Water conservation systems

Sustainable design principles

Project Leadership

NYCFC Vice Chairman: Marty Edelman

Turner Construction VP & General Manager: Charles Whitney

Architect: HOK