:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66278622/860518784.jpg.0.jpg)
There is no which way about it — New York City FC playing their first “home” game in their first-ever berth into the CONCACAF Champions League at Red Bull Arena has pissed me off. What was supposed to be a monumental day in our club’s history has now been reduced to another joke about the club’s incompetency to secure a ground of their own.
But according to the New York Times, these times of misery may soon be behind us. In an article written by David Waldstein, NYCFC and Maddd Equities are apparently really close to securing a stadium deal in the South Bronx.
Via @DavidWaldstein: NYCFC is nearing a deal to build a permanent home in the Bronx, just down the street from Yankee Stadium. https://t.co/YYPhpLjDDY
— NYT Sports (@NYTSports) February 7, 2020
The exact site mentioned is the GAL Factory, an area that seems to be NYCFC’s ultimate goal. The current plan in place would see New York City build a 25,000-seat stadium, along with the additions of affordable housing, a school, hotel, and retail stores. The whole project is expected to cost $1 billion and will be, at least on NYCFC’s end, privately funded.
But don’t be getting too excited there, buckaroo. The deal ain’t done quite yet.
“A deal has not been reached, and more conversations are needed,” said a representative for the city’s Economic Development Corporation. “We are hopeful for a future where these lots can better serve the community. The first step toward achieving that is engaging the community on their needs and vision for this area.”
The deal, should it be made, will take several months for city approval. An additional few years to make way for construction will also be needed.
More to come on this story as details emerge.