New York City Football Club (NYCFC) has unveiled an ambitious plan for a groundbreaking soccer stadium in Willets Point, Queens, setting a new standard for sustainability in sports infrastructure.
The proposed 25,000-seat stadium aims to be a trailblazer as the first fully electric stadium in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the inaugural fully electric professional sports stadium in New York City.
Recognizing the inherent environmental challenges posed by traditional sport facilities, NYCFC’s Willets Point project takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability. From the initiation of match day activities to the conclusion of janitorial duties, every aspect of the stadium’s design and operation is geared toward reducing its ecological footprint.
At the forefront of this initiative is the commitment to making the stadium entirely electric. Through private financing, NYCFC intends to make Willets Point the epicenter of sustainable sports infrastructure. Solar panels strategically placed on the stadium roof will harness the power of the sun, maximizing energy generation and contributing to the facility’s self-sufficiency. Intelligent systems will be in place to eliminate energy waste, complemented by a backup generator to address emergencies effectively.
Water conservation is a top priority for the project, with a sophisticated water harvesting system beneath the stadium field capturing rainwater for irrigation purposes. The implementation of water-efficient technologies, such as dry urinals, proximity-controlled taps, and reduced water mix taps and shower heads, will further curtail unnecessary water consumption.
Beyond the environmental features of the stadium, the Willets Point development project encompasses a broader vision for the community. In addition to the fully electric stadium, the initiative includes the construction of 2,500 units of 100% affordable housing, a 650-seat public school, 40,000 square feet of public open space, retail facilities, and a 250-key hotel. This multi-faceted approach integrates sustainability not only into the stadium but also into the surrounding community.
Council Member Francisco Moya said, “This soccer stadium, and the larger Willets Point project, will transform a part of Queens that has a long and difficult history of environmental degradation.”
To minimize transportation-related environmental impacts, materials, fixtures, and fitting for the stadium will be locally sourced wherever possible. The Club is also dedicated to constructing the stadium with an emphasis on efficient insulation and natural venting, further reducing its ecological footprint.
NYCFC is actively collaborating with the Metro Transit Authority, building on a decade-long relationship, to enhance accessible and affordable public transportation options for fans attending matches. The commitment to public transportation aligns with the broader goal of reducing the carbon footprint associated with stadium-related travel.
Waste reduction is another crucial aspect of the sustainability agenda. The Willets Point Stadium project focuses on minimizing waste at its source, providing fans with easy access to drinking water refills throughout the stadium. The exploration of on-site composting options is also on the table, contributing to local waste management solutions.
Moreover, the Club aims to extend its sustainability ethos beyond the stadium gates. Proactive engagement with suppliers, particularly small and local businesses, will contribute to a broader supply chain approach to sustainability. By uplifting the sustainability agendas of its suppliers, NYCFC seeks to create a positive ripple effect in the local community, fostering a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem.
In summary, the Willets Point project by NYCFC is not just about constructing a state-of-the-art soccer stadium; it is a holistic commitment to redefine the standards of sustainability in sports infrastructure, setting a precedent for future developments in the realm of professional sports.
Mayor Adams said, “I’m proud that New York City will be home to the first fully electric sports stadium in Major League Soccer,” a sentiment shared by the Club’s president Bret Sims, who added that “we’re focused on ensuring that the Club is leading the way when it comes to reducing environmental impact.”
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