New York City FC is planning on building the first fully electric stadium in Major League Soccer (MLS), with a number of sustainability features to be integrated into the design of the 25,000-seat venue.
NYCFC revealed sustainability plans for its new stadium during a local community board meeting in Queens yesterday (Wednesday). As well as becoming the first fully electric stadium in MLS, the facility would be the first fully electric professional sports stadium in New York City.
The design and building of the stadium will place a focus on renewable energy, with an array of solar panels to be installed on the roof to maximise energy generation. Built-in efficiency will ensure that intelligent systems eliminate energy waste, and an emergency backup generator will be provided and only operated during a utility power outage or when code required testing is performed.
A water harvesting system would also be fitted below the pitch to capture rainwater which can be reused for irrigation. Water-efficient systems, including dry urinals, proximity-controlled taps and reduced water mix taps and shower heads will further reduce unnecessary consumption.
NYCFC said that, wherever possible, materials, fixtures and fittings for the stadium would be locally sourced to avoid substantial transportation impact on the environment. The club is also focused on construction that will promote efficient insulation and natural venting.
NYCFC is also focusing on reducing CO2 emissions and is working for credible net zero by 2040, with the club to establish its year one benchmark with the aim of achieving continual reductions of at least 12% each year in its operations and events.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said: “I’m proud that New York City will be home to the first fully electric sports stadium in Major League Soccer. It’s imperative that we continue our shift to a more sustainable and resilient future, helping New York to better prepare for a changing climate.
“As a city, we’re reshaping our relationship with energy: how we generate, store and use it. New York City Football Club’s stadium will serve as a model for that goal. New York City has taken significant steps to become more sustainable, resilient and equitable, and this proposed stadium encompasses those commitments.”
Brad Sims, NYCFC chief executive, added: “New York City Football Club is proud to release details of what would be a historic first-ever fully electric professional sports stadium for both MLS and New York City.
“Sustainability is at the heart of this project and we’re focused on ensuring that the club is leading the way when it comes to reducing environmental impact. We’re committed to building a stadium that serves as a model for projects in the future. Through renewable energy, the use of efficient materials, waste reduction and effective compliance, we’re excited to deliver a sustainable home for the club and local community for decades to come.”
Last month, the wide-ranging project to deliver a new stadium for NYCFC moved a step closer with the beginning of the Uniform Land Use Review Process (ULURP). The stadium will form part of the Willets Point revitalisation plan, which will also include 2,500 new affordable homes, over 40,000 square feet of open public space, a hotel, and retail space.
Plans for the project, formally known as Willets Point Phase 2, were first announced in November last year by Mayor Adams and City Council Member Francisco Moya.
In April, HOK and Turner were selected as the architect and general contractor, respectively, for the stadium, and the first set of renderings were revealed the following month.
The privately-financed stadium will be the first soccer-specific stadium in New York City and the first major league sports venue to be developed in the city since 2012, when Barclays Center opened as the home of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.
It is hoped the stadium will open in 2027. Since debuting in MLS in 2015, NYCFC has primarily played at Yankee Stadium, home of Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees.
