New York City Football Club is making good progress on construction work at the club’s new Etihad Stadium in New York.
A timelapse image has been released showing how the venue is coming up in the ‘city that never sleeps.’
The steel superstructure is rising at the Willets Point site in Queens and portions of the stadium are beginning to take shape above the ground — particularly on the western side of the property.
Parts of the stadium frame — including sections of the supporter’s end and concourse areas — are visibly under construction.
NYCFC and city officials continue to report that Etihad Park is on schedule to open in time for the start of the 2027 Major League Soccer season.
New York City Football Club, sometimes shortened as NYCFC, is an American professional soccer club based in New York City (US). The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. The 46,537-capacity Yankee Stadium in New York currently serves as their home ground.
The 25,000-capacity Etihad Park is a soccer-specific stadium under construction in the Willets Point neighborhood of Queens, New York City (US). The stadium is the future home of NYCFC.
The $780 million, all-electric stadium designed by HOK and being built by Turner Construction broke ground in late 2024 and will open in Queens across the street from Citi Field ahead of the 2027 MLS season.
The new stadium is made to fit in a narrow, jagged footprint within the larger Willets Point Project site.
It features a rectangular-shaped structure with the Southeast corner cut off by the existing Willets Point Boulevard and the Northwest corner framed to match.
The new Etihad Park stadium is being built on a new 23-acre neighbourhood which will also include 2,500 new housing units, a new public school, a hotel, and 150,000 square feet of public open space.
Gastronomic treats
Meanwhile, New York City FC has selected Legends Global as the Official Food and Beverage Operating Partner of Etihad Park.
Legends Global will assist in bringing the Club’s culinary vision to life at Etihad Park managing concessions, premium suites and clubs, and catering.
The food and beverage fan experience will play a defining role in creating the spirit and energy of Etihad Park.
NYCFC said the Club is committed to embracing and celebrating the culture of New York City, and Etihad Park will reflect that by showcasing exceptional local restaurants and celebrity chefs across all food and beverage offerings throughout the stadium.
From concessions featuring locally sourced food available in the general concourse to live cooking stations in premium hospitality areas, every attendee at Etihad Park will enjoy a world-class New York City-inspired dining experience.
Brad Sims, New York City FC CEO, said, “Food is an essential part of New York City’s identity that reflects its diversity and creativity, and we are committed to bringing that spirit to life within Etihad Park.
“With Legends Global’s operational expertise and our commitment to showcasing local chefs and restaurants, we’re ensuring that the taste and spirit of New York City are authentically represented in every corner of Etihad Park. We’re looking forward to making some exciting announcements about the incredible chefs and restaurants we’ll be working with over the next 12 months.”
The design of Etihad Park’s north, south, and east stands will each feature three fixed food stands, two portable grills, and two beverage markets. Five fully stocked bars and two tap bars featuring New York brews on draft will also be located throughout the concourse.
Additionally, the Supporters Porch will feature unique offerings and New York City staples for Etihad Park attendees.
Food and beverage will also be a key highlight of the premium hospitality spaces located in the west stand at Etihad Park.
Each space will feature its own dedicated kitchen, ensuring guests enjoy freshly prepared premium foods throughout their visit. All food and beverages will be included for guests in these areas, who will also have access to the full range of main concourse dining and drink options available across Etihad Park.
Etihad Park will further champion New York City’s iconic gastronomy with the Five Boroughs Food Hall located in City Square.
This area will have small business vendors representing cuisines found throughout each borough of New York City. Each vendor will bring a unique offering, solidifying the whole of City Square as a main hospitality attraction of Etihad Park.
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