New York Construction Report staff writer
New York City FC celebrated a major construction milestone today as the final steel beam was installed at Etihad Park, completing the stadium’s structural frame. Despite a harsh winter, the project remains on schedule for the club’s inaugural matches at the 25,000-seat, fully electric stadium in the 2027–28 MLS season.
The topping-out ceremony honored the all-union construction crew whose work has brought the club’s decade-long vision to life. A tree was placed atop the final beam, continuing a centuries-old tradition symbolizing growth, resilience, and good fortune. Members of Ironworkers Local 361, including JC Steel Superintendent Matt Bispo, Crane Operator Mark Jones, Foreman Anthony Stonish, and Apprentice Dennis Brown, helped raise the final beam.
“Today’s milestone is not just a marker of construction progress, it is the realization of a vision that will shape the future of this Club and the sport in New York City for generations,” said New York City FC co-vice chairman Marty Edelman. “Thanks to the extraordinary work of our all-union construction teams and partners, that vision is becoming reality. We look forward to welcoming our fans to Etihad Park for the first time next summer and to marking the beginning of a new era for New York City FC.”
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani praised the workforce and the stadium’s design. “Today marks an important milestone towards finally giving New York soccer fans our own stadium. I want to thank all of the workers who have gotten us to this point, including the more than 300 hard-working men and women from Queens who have been hired on this project. Etihad Park represents more than just a soccer stadium — it’s fully electric and union-made by and for New Yorkers.”
New York City FC CEO Brad Sims highlighted the stadium’s significance for fans and the community. “After nearly a decade of searching for the right place to build a home for our Club, we’re proud to celebrate the remarkable progress made in such a short time. We are especially grateful to Turner, the City, and our union partners for helping create a stadium that reflects the impact our Club has on our city.”
Etihad Park is part of the Willets Point Redevelopment, a $6.1-billion project that will deliver 2,500 affordable homes, a 650-seat public school, a 250-key hotel, over 40,000 square feet of public open space, 1,550 permanent jobs, and 14,200 construction jobs. More than 300 Queens residents have already been hired for the project, which uses 100% union labor from a wide range of trades.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber called the stadium a “cathedral for the sport” that will elevate both New York City FC and soccer in the region. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. added that the project cements Queens’ status as a cultural and economic hub. Labor leaders emphasized the stadium’s impact on union jobs and long-term community benefits.
“Etihad Park and the broader Willets Point redevelopment is delivering good union jobs, affordable housing, a new school and open space,” said Manny Pastreich, President of 32BJ. Jose Maldonado, President of UNITEHERE Local 100, noted, “Today’s topping out represents decades of opportunity to come for the hardworking men and women of the food service industry—the cooks, servers, and concession staff who will bring Etihad Park to life.”
Construction remains on track for the stadium to open in time for the 2027–28 MLS season, bringing New York City FC’s long-awaited home to life and delivering a major new sports and economic anchor for Queens.
