Roger Hampel
New York City FC has made a significant stride towards enhancing the fan experience by partnering with Legends, a global leader in premium experiences, to oversee the sales of suites and premium seating for its upcoming stadium in Willets Point, Queens. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in the development of New York City's first-ever soccer-specific stadium, slated to open in 2027.
Strategic Partnership for a Premier Fan Experience
Legends will bring its extensive expertise to bear from now until the stadium's opening, offering strategic consulting, go-to-market analysis, product design, and sales strategy execution. This includes initial valuation and gaining valuable marketplace insights. New York City FC aims to leverage Legends' proficiency to establish what could be the best stadium experience in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Brad Sims, CEO of New York City FC, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, "Our goal is to build and create the best stadium and fan experience in all of Major League Soccer, and we’re confident that Legends’ unmatched expertise in this space will help us accomplish this objective.”
The Vision for New York City's First Soccer-Specific Stadium New York City FC Legends
The partnership announcement follows the New York City Council's overwhelming approval of the next phase of the Willets Point Redevelopment project, which includes the stadium. This venue is not only a first for New York City but also sets a precedent as the first fully electric sports stadium in both New York City and Major League Soccer. Seating around 25,000 fans, the stadium aims to be a model of modernity and sustainability.
Mike Ondrejko, President of Legends Global Sales, shared his enthusiasm: "It is a privilege to work alongside Brad and his team at New York City FC to imagine the possibilities in the first-ever soccer-specific stadium in New York City and serve their supporters by delivering a best-in-class experience."
A New Neighborhood Hub in Willets Point
Beyond the stadium, the project is a cornerstone of a new 23-acre neighborhood development led by Queens Development Group—a collaboration between Related Companies and Sterling Equities. This neighborhood will include 2,500 new 100% affordable housing units, a 650-seat public school, a new hotel, and over 150,000 square feet of public open space, significantly enhancing the local community's landscape.
Economic and Community Impact
The Willets Point redevelopment is projected to generate $6.1 billion in economic activity, create 1,550 permanent jobs, and support 14,200 construction jobs, showcasing the project's broad economic and social benefits.
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