A loss in Queens could provide a big score for the Bronx. Major League Soccer, which was in talks with the city to build a $340 million stadium in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, wont be coming to Queens, said Councilman Leroy Comrie.
This would be why I spotlighted the two alternate temporary stadium locations in the Bronx. I wouldn’t expect NYCFC to play at either one of those more than absolutely necessary, but combined with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.’s open letter to the team earlier, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were playing near Yankee Stadium when all’s said & done.
And you know who’s likely breathing a giant sigh of relief? The NASL’s New York Cosmos, who have tabled an insanely ambitious stadium proposal located on the border between New York City and Nassau County — specifically, near the Belmont racetrack. That racetrack is famous because it’s one of the Triple Crown horse racing venues, but a stadium located there would undoubtedly bring additional revenues.
The question is, though, would a minor league team be able to fill a 20,000 seat stadium? I have my doubts. The Cosmos are currently planning on playing at Hofstra’s James Shuart Stadium, which is where the previous incarnation of the team played before becoming the Cosmos™.
If NYCFC ends up being based in the Bronx, the Cosmos would presumably have more appeal to Queens residents. But it’s unclear to me whether that would be the case with two MLS teams in the area. I honestly don’t know how the Cosmos square that circle.
