New York: NYCFC in Manhattan after all?

source: NYTimes.com; author: michał

New York: NYCFC in Manhattan after all? It may be the very northern tip of the Manhattan island, but still Manhattan. NY Times suggests NYCFC have eyed a cooperation with Columbia University to build their desired stadium.

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They’ve been a bit quiet recently after moving to the Yankee Stadium for their inaugural season. But New York City FC are still on the lookout for a stadium of their own and the latest anchor point is said to be the Baker Athletic Complex just at the northern tip of the Manhattan Island.

If you’re thinking of skyscrapers by the island’s name, you’re wrong. You can barely see them from that point, but it’s still a very well connected location with subway and rail within walking distance.

NYC FC possible plot

Which is why replacing the 17,000 capacity main stadium with one dedicated to American football (Columbia Lions) and soccer (NYCFC), able to hold 25,000. However, the cost of such facility would be extremely high, as is often the case in New York. NY times estimates it to be some $400 million.

The MLS franchise would also spend as much as $30 million to rehabilitate the surrounding fields for Columbia.

“New York City F. C. is looking at sites all over New York City,” said Risa Heller, a spokeswoman for the team. “We are working with the de Blasio administration to find a world-class site for a soccer-specific stadium.”

Columbia had no comment on the talks, said Victoria Benitez, a spokeswoman.

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