New York City FC’s quest to build a permanent home in Queens took a significant step forward this week, with the ambitious stadium project passing a key city commission. The club also unveiled renderings showcasing one of the venue’s most striking features: “The Cube.”
On March 6, the New York City Planning Commission unanimously approved the proposed Willets Point redevelopment, which includes the soccer-specific stadium. The plan will now go to the City Council for a public hearing and vote.
New York City FC also unveiled updated renderings of the proposed stadium project, including a fly-through video highlighting The Cube, a fully LED-lined main entrance to the stadium that’s over seven stories high and promises to create the most immersive arrival experience in New York sports.
The angled, cube-shaped portal will greet attendees coming from public transportation in the south. Its 11,000-plus square feet of LED paneling allows for broadcasting stunning video, photographic and graphic elements, enveloping fans in a dazzling spectacle as they approach.
“We designed The Cube to be an iconic gateway that symbolizes New York City FC’s bold ambition and immerses fans in an unforgettable game-day experience,” said Rashed Singaby, principal and senior project designer at HOK. “Its cutting-edge technology and striking architecture will make it a true landmark for the city and the sport.”
The Cube’s architecture holds deeper symbolic meaning as well. According to the club, the cube shape represents stability, permanence and New York City FC’s steadfast commitment to delivering a true home for the team and its supporters. Meanwhile, the equality of its dimensions signifies the value of fair play that the club upholds.
“The club is grateful that the City Planning Commission voted to approve a transformational project for Willets Point, unlocking the largest 100% affordable housing project in over 40 years, thousands of jobs and NYC’s first-ever, union-built soccer stadium,” said New York City Football Club Vice Chairman Marty Edelman. “New York City FC committed ten years ago to build our stadium in the five boroughs, and today’s vote gets us one step closer to bringing this promise to life in Queens—the World’s Borough will be our home for The World’s Game.”