Stadium Discussion

[SoupInNYC]

I don't really think the 4 years timeline after entering public approval process is that much of a surprise. This is just the first time we've heard it said out loud from the club/developers.

We've basically thought that the approval process would take one year minimum, and construction would take 2, right? So those would both be minimums and go up from there so 3.5ish sounds about right. Add a half a year buffer in order to not "overpromise" (but I also realize with the way this club communicates, I'm probably giving them too much credit assuming that they would build that in).

 

[SoupInNYC]

Has anyone checked the bond prices lately?

Thoughts on Yang being pro/anti-stadium? Betting odds have him at -210 as our next mayor.

The last trade of the bonds was in February at $42.50., slightly up from the previous trade in August 2020 at around $41.00, but overall down from the trades in 2018/2019 that were in the $60's.

I get the sense from the way Yang approached the presidential election that he would support a project like this, but haven't paid enough attention to his mayoral race to validate that at all.

Scott Stringer, also in the race, has said before that NYC should "build its way out of the current recession". Also quoted in this article is Vanessa Gibson, one of the city council members that represents Bronx Community Board 4 and has been lobbied by the developers and their consultants. She is running for Bronx Borough President.

The comptroller and mayoral candidate calls on de Blasio to resume affordable housing and school construction, along with infrastructure overhauls to boost the economy — even if it means borrowing big bucks.

The comptroller and mayoral candidate calls on de Blasio to resume affordable housing and school construction, along with infrastructure overhauls to boost the economy — even if it means borrowing big bucks.

www.thecity.nyc

 

[Jon]

I don't really think the 4 years timeline after entering public approval process is that much of a surprise. This is just the first time we've heard it said out loud from the club/developers.

We've basically thought that the approval process would take one year minimum, and construction would take 2, right? So those would both be minimums and go up from there so 3.5ish sounds about right. Add a half a year buffer in order to not "overpromise" (but I also realize with the way this club communicates, I'm probably giving them too much credit assuming that they would build that in).

I'm pretty sure the timeline is similar to the info released in that Harlem River Yards leak a few years back. I gotta think the club wants a stadium to be ready for 2026 but that would mean approval by the end of this year, right?

 

[SoupInNYC]

I'm pretty sure the timeline is similar to the info released in that Harlem River Yards leak a few years back. I gotta think the club wants a stadium to be ready for 2026 but that would mean approval by the end of this year, right?

Yeah, they could be similar timelines, but I think with that being built on the river and needing a platform on top of everything, the construction would be a bit more complex and take more time. That is pure speculation on my part.\

FWIW, the NYT included the following sentence in their Feb 2020 article: "Construction would not begin until at least 2022 and could take several years, meaning it is unlikely the team would move in until at least 2024. " That seems to imply that construction would take 2-3 years, though it isn't clear if that is based off of something they were told by the club or developers, or if that is speculation on their part.

Agreed on the 2026 point. That has to be a do-or-die goal for the club considering the WC.

 

[Kenny]

I'm pretty sure the timeline is similar to the info released in that Harlem River Yards leak a few years back. I gotta think the club wants a stadium to be ready for 2026 but that would mean approval by the end of this year, right?

I think beginning the approvals (environmental review and ulurp) process in spring 2022 with the new administration, or summer worst case, puts it on track to open 2026. And for what it's worth, I believe it will happen on that timeline, in the South Bronx.

I also think World Cup games will be played in MetLife, not NYCFC Stadium. But maybe you meant just to feed off the soccer hype of that year.

 

[FredMertz]

I think beginning the approvals (environmental review and ulurp) process in spring 2022 with the new administration, or summer worst case, puts it on track to open 2026. And for what it's worth, I believe it will happen on that timeline, in the South Bronx.

I also think World Cup games will be played in MetLife, not NYCFC Stadium. But maybe you meant just to feed off the soccer hype of that year.

Any NYCFC stadium would likely fall short of WC size requirements.

 

[Jon]

Any NYCFC stadium would likely fall short of WC size requirements.

40,000 is the minimum for WC, but it would be a lot of fun to watch a couple USMNT friendlies leading up to the WC.

 

[ZYanksRule]

I think wanting the stadium built by 2026 isn't about the World Cup itself, it's just about wanting to build off the excitement of having the World Cup here by saying, "Look at us, we have this beautiful new stadium for NYCFC and it's easily accessible. Come check us out! It's not a hard deadline and not a deal-breaker if it is delayed, but that's definitely a deadline I am sure they are trying to build to.

 

[mgarbowski]

I think wanting the stadium built by 2026 isn't about the World Cup itself, it's just about wanting to build off the excitement of having the World Cup here by saying, "Look at us, we have this beautiful new stadium for NYCFC and it's easily accessible. Come check us out! It's not a hard deadline and not a deal-breaker if it is delayed, but that's definitely a deadline I am sure they are trying to build to.

I think you're right but then really their hard deadline is 2027. Catch the people who pay attention in 2026 and offer them the chance to become First Year Stadium Founding Members or some such BS by becoming a STH when the new place opens.

 

[ZYanksRule]

I think you're right but then really their hard deadline is 2027. Catch the people who pay attention in 2026 and offer them the chance to become First Year Stadium Founding Members or some such BS by becoming a STH when the new place opens.

Or you're trying to hit the peak of excitement, which will be July-September after the event ends.

 

[Joe_Cos]

If the stadium occurs in four years, The team would like to have Messi to play one year in YS and then open the new stadium. Lol

 

[Jon]

If the stadium occurs in four years, The team would like to have Messi to play one year in YS and then open the new stadium. Lol

I love how Heber was the 7th option in terms of strikers the club could get according to Dome, but some NYCFC fans are convinced that Messi could come here.

 

[JayH]

I love how Heber was the 7th option in terms of strikers the club could get according to Dome, but some NYCFC fans are convinced that Messi could come here.

It was widely reported that it was a component of the MC offer at various points in time, so it’s at least a reasonable talking point. If he did end up moving to MC after the season, it wouldn’t be shocking if he were interested in taking his brand and pre ambassador tour to open and/or play in a shiny soccer specific stadium in NYC. Of course, the stadium timeline would have to fall into place which is as we all know less likely now and a massive question mark. But none of that has anything to do with what choice Heber was. Do I think it will happen given all of that, probably not. But is it laughable for folks to discuss, no.

 

[SoupInNYC]

It was widely reported that it was a component of the MC offer at various points in time, so it’s at least a reasonable talking point. If he did end up moving to MC after the season, it wouldn’t be shocking if he were interested in taking his brand and pre ambassador tour to open and/or play in a shiny soccer specific stadium in NYC. Of course, the stadium timeline would have to fall into place which is as we all know less likely now and a massive question mark. But none of that has anything to do with what choice Heber was. Do I think it will happen given all of that, probably not. But is it laughable for folks to discuss, no.

It's also not crazy to think that after the stadium is built, and 4-5 years of additional growth for this league, including two World Cup bumps, that this club wouldn't be willing to spend a lot more than it is now.

 

[Joe_Cos]

I love how Heber was the 7th option in terms of strikers the club could get according to Dome, but some NYCFC fans are convinced that Messi could come here.

I was trying to be funny by that comment, and not being serious. I made the joke as I believe there is the same percentage chance of Messi coming to the team as the team getting the stadium done in time to have it benefit from the WC. This team has to get things done with an outgoing administration in BX borough president and Mayor, ano a governor who has little political good will to use to get the deal done. Yankees had to make an implied threat to move to NJ to help get a stadium deal done and that took the Yankees a decade to get done.

 

[EganSoccerWords]

I think you're right but then really their hard deadline is 2027. Catch the people who pay attention in 2026 and offer them the chance to become First Year Stadium Founding Members or some such BS by becoming a STH when the new place opens.

There is no hard deadline. They could sit here and play in Yankee Stadium for 100 years, and not spend on DPs, and still make money as long as MLS franchise values continue to go up.

 

[Jon]

There is no hard deadline. They could sit here and play in Yankee Stadium for 100 years, and not spend on DPs, and still make money as long as MLS franchise values continue to go up.

This seems to be how the club is operating post-Villa. Spend just enough to remain competitive. Hope to qualify for the playoffs, and see what happens. In the meantime, develop academy players that can be moved on in the CFG system or to other European clubs. Use those profits to keep NYCFC afloat.

 

[FredMertz]

This seems to be how the club is operating post-Villa. Spend just enough to remain competitive. Hope to qualify for the playoffs, and see what happens. In the meantime, develop academy players that can be moved on in the CFG system or to other European clubs. Use those profits to keep NYCFC afloat.

There is no chance they could develop enough talent to offset significant operating losses. I doubt they'd even be able to pay for their Academy in full with transfer fees.

 

[EganSoccerWords]

There is no chance they could develop enough talent to offset significant operating losses. I doubt they'd even be able to pay for their Academy in full with transfer fees.

It's not about offsetting operating loses, its about minimizing them and other sunk costs while they play the long game.

 

[FredMertz]

It's not about offsetting operating loses, its about minimizing them and other sunk costs while they play the long game.

He specifically referenced using transfer fees to keep the club afloat. The accumulated transfer fees they've received are insignificant -- stadium rental fees for a handful of games.

With no stadium, there is no long game and starting a stadium makes the long game into a LOOOOOOOOONG game.