Roger Hampel
Enhancing the Sports Landscape with State-of-the-Art Facilities
On July 18, 2024, New York City FC (NYCFC) proudly announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA), including a generous $3 million donation. This significant investment will transform Icahn Stadium into a state-of-the-art soccer facility, while maintaining its esteemed status as a premier track and field venue.
Transforming Icahn Stadium
The 5,000-seat Icahn Stadium, located on Randall’s Island, will now serve as an additional home for New York City FC II, bringing professional soccer to the heart of New York City. This prime location is just minutes away from East Harlem, the South Bronx, and Queens. In addition to games at Icahn Stadium, NYCFC II will continue to play several home matches at St. John’s University’s Belson Stadium in Queens, preserving their strong relationship with the university.
Enhancing Fan and Community Engagement New York City FC Randall’s Island Park
Deborah Maher, President of Randall's Island Park Alliance, expressed her enthusiasm:
“Randall’s Island has one of the most vibrant soccer communities, and this partnership with New York City FC only serves to make that distinction even stronger. Not only are we the home of some of the finest youth and adult competition across the five boroughs, but we now welcome NYCFC II’s to Icahn Stadium to join our world-class track and field community at their historic home. The new soccer pitch donated by New York City FC, thanks to their $3 million grant, will elevate the soccer experience for thousands of New Yorkers while also allowing us to host top-flight competition in other sports all year round. We’re excited to work with New York City FC for years to come.”
NYCFC’s Chief Operating Officer, Jennifer O’Sullivan, highlighted the club’s dedication to community and development:
“For more than a decade our club has been committed to developing the next generation of soccer talent across the five boroughs and we’re proud that some of those players are now the heartbeat of New York City FC II. It’s incredible that they’ll have the chance to play some of their home games at Icahn Stadium, with the skyline of the city as the backdrop. We’re so grateful to St. John’s University for providing New York City FC II with a home over the past few years. We’re thrilled to continue that partnership with a significant number of league games still being played at Belson Stadium, in addition to beginning this exciting new chapter with the Randall’s Island Park Alliance.”
Upgrading Icahn Stadium
The refurbishment, funded by NYCFC’s $3 million donation, includes the installation of a Kentucky bluegrass soccer field. The stadium’s drainage and irrigation systems have been enhanced, and the long jump and triple jump facilities have been relocated and upgraded to make room for a regulation-size soccer field.
NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue praised the initiative:
“We are deeply grateful for New York City FC's generous $3 million donation towards the refurbishment of Icahn Stadium, which represents a transformative investment in our city's living infrastructure. This state-of-the-art facility signifies our commitment to athletics and community engagement while ensuring that Randall's Island Park remains a vibrant hub for recreational activities and special events. Working in partnership with NYCFC and RIPA, this investment exemplifies the positive impact of collaboration in fostering a healthier and more connected New York City.”
Community Leaders Applaud the Partnership
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine celebrated the upgrade:
“The new professional sized soccer field at Icahn Stadium will allow fans from across the boroughs to enjoy top-tier sporting events right on Randall's Island. With the help of New York City FC's $3 million donation, Icahn Stadium will be able to expand its public sports offerings to the communities it serves, continuing to establish the park as a sports and entertainment hub. We commend RIPA and New York City FC on their incredible partnership that will enhance the lives of sports enthusiasts and players across the boroughs for years to come.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. echoed these sentiments:
“Queens is proud of its growing partnership with New York City FC, which will call The World’s Borough home in just a few seasons upon the opening of its new, all-electric stadium at Willets Point. We’re also proud of NYCFC’s commitment to uplifting our city’s sports scene, as seen by its generous $3 million donation to overhaul Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island. I look forward to working with NYCFC in the coming years on further efforts to continue that commitment here in Queens, like its partnership with St. John’s University, and across the five boroughs.”
Future Prospects
Beyond hosting New York City FC II, Icahn Stadium will serve as a venue for other special events, including the annual Local Ford Classic in September, where the NYPD soccer team faces the FDNY soccer team in a charity match. The upgraded facilities will also support other sports such as rugby and lacrosse, hosting high-profile events.
New York City FC II Head Coach Matt Pilkington expressed his excitement:
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to play some of our home games at Icahn Stadium. Ever since New York City FC II began its journey in MLS NEXT Pro, we’ve demonstrated a commitment to identifying, mentoring and developing the next generation of soccer talent right here in New York City. Therefore, the chance to play our games at a stadium with the Bronx, Queens and Manhattan skylines in the backdrop is both exciting and meaningful. We look forward to creating a real home field advantage with the support of our passionate fans right in our backyard.”
Source: NYFC Media
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