New York City FC CEO Brad Sims: "Significant progress" made in stadium project

Brad Sims said New York City FC are “making significant progress” to building a privately-financed soccer-specific stadium in the Bronx, the club’s CEO told fans in a statement.

“We are actively involved with MADDD Equities, the Yankees, NYC Economic Development Corporation, the Bronx Parking Authority, and numerous Bronx community groups and local leaders to bring a transformative project proposal to the South Bronx, one piece of which would be a soccer-specific stadium,” Sims said. “We are proud to partner with MADDD Equities, a well-known affordable housing developer, and NYC EDC to grow our engagement with local community leaders as we embark on the public approval process.”

Sims said his statement to fans comes on the heels of information the club provided to the New York Times and Wall Street Journal Friday about the ongoing stadium project.

The Times reported the proposed stadium is part of a $1 billion development project that includes affordable housing, a new school, a hotel and retail stores.

The 25,000-seat stadium would be built on the site of an old Yankee Stadium parking garage and the adjacent GAL elevator parts factory on East 153rd Street, from River Avenue to the Major Deegan Expressway.

The Times reported construction would not begin until 2022 at the earliest and the team wouldn’t likely move in until at least 2024.

Sims told fans the club will take further steps in the coming months “to formalize our participation in the public approval process.” That includes engaging in public dialogue with community and civic leaders, supporters and local elected officials to get feedback on the proposal's details.

Sims acknowledged the fans eagerness to get a permanent home for the club, especially on the heels of Friday’s announcement the Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 matchup against AD San Carlos will be played at Red Bull Arena.

“Though being forced to play this game outside of the five boroughs is far from ideal, it comes at a time when we are seeing very real progress on our stadium efforts,” Sims said.

NYCFC have utilized Yankee Stadium as a temporary home since entering the league in 2015, but have been forced to move important games to other venues in recent years.