Stadium Discussion

[SoupInNYC]

The soon to be created USL team was mentioned as a possibility. The MLS team was mentioned as a frame of reference, not as a possibility.

Correct, the potential USL team was mentioned as a possibility by an unaffiliated article that noted that the mayor has agreed to later decide on a development to include either a stadium or mixed development. That article also noted that the task force (the city), wanted 25k, but the developers (not the city), are recommending 15k.

From that little tidbit, the unaffiliated article implies that this is possibly for the potential USL team.

 

[mgarbowski]

I feel like the release mentioning NYCFC of Major League Soccer was a shot at us.

That was in an article not a press release.

Also, the article clearly states that both potential plans are open: one with a stadium and one without. It also says the non-stadium option is easier: "vetting plans for a soccer stadium would be more involved."

And from this article we collectively jump to assuming a definite stadium, that sells out, with a USL that is poised to overtake MLS, and Villa and his Super Friends all coming to play in 15k stadia around the country, because that's what both the US soccer fans and world soccer superstars have always wanted: a 15k B-league stadium in Queens. Oh, and somehow this all also proves that NYC has secretly failed in the Bronx but the NY real estate community is conspiring to keep that deal collapse under wraps. And, and, and CFG is looking for an excuse to sell NYCFC.

This is peak Stadium thread, and a bizarre combination of assuming both our worst fears and fondest wishes are all coming true at the same time.

 

[ALBNYfan]

That was in an article not a press release.

Also, the article clearly states that both potential plans are open: one with a stadium and one without. It also says the non-stadium option is easier: "vetting plans for a soccer stadium would be more involved."

And from this article we collectively jump to assuming a definite stadium, that sells out, with a USL that is poised to overtake MLS, and Villa and his Super Friends all coming to play in 15k stadia around the country, because that's what both the US soccer fans and world soccer superstars have always wanted: a 15k B-league stadium in Queens. Oh, and somehow this all also proves that NYC has secretly failed in the Bronx but the NY real estate community is conspiring to keep that deal collapse under wraps. And, and, and CFG is looking for an excuse to sell NYCFC.

This is peak Stadium thread, and a bizarre combination of assuming both our worst fears and fondest wishes are all coming true at the same time.

The voice of reason and/or hope.

 

[mgarbowski]

The voice of reason and/or hope.

Who knows. Everyone's worst assumptions could come true. But they haven't yet.

 

[ZYanksRule]

Who knows. Everyone's worst assumptions could come true. But they haven't yet.

Yes, this is true. I think everyone needs to take a deep breath.

Also the person upthread who said this project would take 10 years -- maybe that's an exaggeration, but it would be at least 5 years, and probably more, before a stadium is ready in that spot. First you have to approve the project, then you have to eminent domain the repair shops. Then you have to fix the environmental issues there. Then you have to fix the area and prep it to build ... then you have to actually build the project.

This spot could be held up for years in litigation before a shovel even goes in the ground, and we don't even seem particularly close to either of these two proposals getting approved.

 

[sbrylski]

That was in an article not a press release.

Also, the article clearly states that both potential plans are open: one with a stadium and one without. It also says the non-stadium option is easier: "vetting plans for a soccer stadium would be more involved."

And from this article we collectively jump to assuming a definite stadium, that sells out, with a USL that is poised to overtake MLS, and Villa and his Super Friends all coming to play in 15k stadia around the country, because that's what both the US soccer fans and world soccer superstars have always wanted: a 15k B-league stadium in Queens. Oh, and somehow this all also proves that NYC has secretly failed in the Bronx but the NY real estate community is conspiring to keep that deal collapse under wraps. And, and, and CFG is looking for an excuse to sell NYCFC.

This is peak Stadium thread, and a bizarre combination of assuming both our worst fears and fondest wishes are all coming true at the same time.

I agree with most of this. Wild speculation and fantasy scenarios thrown around. But I do want to re-emphasize the fact that Moya stated the non-soccer stadium plan would not have affordable housing. I think it's much less likely that plan goes thru.

 

[Futbolkicks]

I was of the mind to keep my NYCFC tickets and also get QFC. But I’m starting to lean towards dropping too. Even in the middle of this season. I’m just selling all my tickets anyway to hold onto my founding member status. Now I’m thinking fuck it, I’ll just get to the front of the line for QFC and buy the $10 sale tickets at YS when I want to see NYCFC in person.

I understand but I am not interested in watching minor league soccer.

 

[Ulrich]

I agree with most of this. Wild speculation and fantasy scenarios thrown around. But I do want to re-emphasize the fact that Moya stated the non-soccer stadium plan would not have affordable housing. I think it's much less likely that plan goes thru.

Also, the city has signed a letter of intent with the developers, and the developers (not city) are signing the letter of intent with selected soccer team - the developers have that control for the stadium’s tenant. Obviously LOI can be broken, but then it’s back to square one, and the article mentioned a decision will be made by the city in the next year.

And while SoupInNYC and others have mentioned this is an unaffiliated article (Crains has an excellent track record regarding reporting major city construction) there is a quote from a deputy mayor regarding definitive schedule milestones for the LOI, and that continued momentum is essential (they aren’t canceling the LOI).

 

[SoupInNYC]

Also, the city has signed a letter of intent with the developers, and the developers (not city) are signing the letter of intent with selected soccer team - the developers have that control for the stadium’s tenant. Obviously LOI can be broken, but then it’s back to square one, and the article mentioned a decision will be made by the city in the next year.

And while SoupInNYC and others have mentioned this is an unaffiliated article (Crains has an excellent track record regarding reporting major city construction) there is a quote from a deputy mayor regarding definitive schedule milestones for the LOI, and that continued momentum is essential (they aren’t canceling the LOI).

I didn't intend to make it seem as though Crain's was not trustworthy. Just that this was not a statement by the city or press release and basically that there really isn't much different than we already knew.

The only real new info here is that the developers envision 15k seats, which I do agree isn't something to ignore. But that is all it is. We already knew that these were the two options to be presented. We still know that the city wants a 25k seat stadium.

 

[Ulrich]

I didn't intend to make it seem as though Crain's was not trustworthy. Just that this was not a statement by the city or press release and basically that there really isn't much different than we already knew.

The only real new info here is that the developers envision 15k seats, which I do agree isn't something to ignore. But that is all it is. We already knew that these were the two options to be presented. We still know that the city wants a 25k seat stadium.

POI - the task force is the community, not the city, and they recommended 25k. When community boards make recommendations to the city, they don’t carry any sort of binding weight, and I’ve seen the city disregard the recommendations. Since BdB is still in charge, he’s gonna push the housing regardless of stadium size.

 

[SoupInNYC]

POI - the task force is the community, not the city, and they recommended 25k. When community boards make recommendations to the city, they don’t carry any sort of binding weight, and I’ve seen the city disregard the recommendations. Since BdB is still in charge, he’s gonna push the housing regardless of stadium size.

The task force is chaired by Moya and Katz

 

[Kjbert]

Yes, the Ben Sweat that got a National Team call-up months ago. Anyone who has paid attention and was interested in soccer already saw Villa play 5 years ago and probably his decline in form. All of Villa's friends are retiring or close to it. This is really the last thing I'd worry about. It's hard enough getting any sort of popular talent to come to the States, but to play in our second division without pro/rel?

My wife is forced to have soccer on in the background for hours every week.

My wife knows who David Vill and Frank Lampard are. She follows them on Instagram.

If you asked her who Ben Sweat is, she’d tell you he’s a rapper from the 90s

 

[Ulrich]

The task force is chaired by Moya and Katz

It’s chaired by them, but it’s not the “city” - the task force is comprised of representatives from local and state officials and the community. Having private citizens on the TF eliminates any ability they have to make an enforceable decision.

The Willets Point Task Force (the “Task Force”)–chaired by Borough President Melinda Katz and Council Member Francisco Moya–was a group of Queens stakeholders that represented local and state elected officials, Community Boards 3, 4, & 7, economic development groups, community-based organizations, and local civic associations.

They have no official power to do anything other than make a recommendation.

https://www.nycedc.com/willets-point-task-force-2018

 

[LionNYC]

“It’s going to be a long time” - Senior CFG executive

 

[sbrylski]

Just realized that if the letter of intent for primary tenancy is Queensboro FC, the best secondary tenant is probably the Cosmos if they are still around by then. Just imagine if the Cosmos and a non-existent team are in a stadium in the boroughs by the 2026 World Cup while NYCFC are not.

 

[Kjbert]

“It’s going to be a long time” - Senior CFG executive

That means they have nothing.

 

[mgarbowski]

“It’s going to be a long time” - Senior CFG executive

Actual recent quote?

 

[twsj91]

“It’s going to be a long time” - Senior CFG executive

Actual recent quote?

Yeah Lion you can’t just come in here and drop that quote with zero context when everyone is filled with anxiety haha please tell me it’s not real.

 

[sbrylski]

Yeah Lion you can’t just come in here and drop that quote with zero context when everyone is filled with anxiety haha please tell me it’s not real.

Or tell me it is real so I can just delete my account now.

 

[Nelson Jay]

“It’s going to be a long time” - Senior CFG executive

/s or kill me now