About
In response to a "request for proposals" issued by the Empire State Development Corporation, the New York Cosmos have submitted a privately-funded economic development proposal to the State of New York to build a world class 25,000-seat professional soccer stadium.
This project called "Elmont Town Crossings," will transform two sections of Belmont Park into a vibrant entertainment complex, with a “Restaurant Row” of nine new eateries, nearly 250,000 square feet of retail space, a 175-room hotel and the development of a brand new 4.3 acre public park for the residential community.
On the southern portion, the Cosmos propose to build a 25,000-seat world class soccer stadium, a youth soccer field, and a 4.3 acre park for the community of Elmont. A pedestrian overpass over Hempstead Turnpike would connect the southern portion to retail shops, restaurants and a hotel to the north. The northern portion of the project will include nine restaurants and nearly 250,000 square feet of shopping.
The Stadium
It is anticipated that the stadium will host event days 30-50 a year, in addition to existing park race days, but will not hold events that conflict with major horseracing events such as the Belmont Stakes.
The stadium will also have a downward slope from west to east, so its profile will be no higher than 30 feet along the residential perimeter.
Ample parking will be available to accommodate both the stadium and NYRA events. There will be both ground level and underground parking. Additionally, Belmont is accessible by LIRR and bus service.
Once open, it is hoped the stadium will also host such events as World Cup and Olympic qualifying matches for the U.S. Men's and Women’s national team, exhibitions between world class foreign teams, the U.S. Open Cup and NCAA games.
Bearing in mind that it can be expensive for families to take their children to a sporting event, our proposal is structured so that ticket prices will be kept affordable.
The Retail Space
The retail space would be divided between three structures. The first would encompass the majority of the Hempstead Turnpike frontage, consisting of 223,000 square feet on two levels above structured parking.
The second would be 22,000 square feet, with 14,000 square feet at plaza level, with a second level of 7,000 square feet of space, penetrated by the pedestrian bridge. The third structure would be 5,000 square feet where the Cosmos will sell apparel and sporting goods.
Attractions
The project would feature new transportation improvements, including improved access, enhanced parking options and better circulation for vehicles and pedestrians. These improvements would complement existing connections to the Cross Island Parkway and public transportation links such as the Long Island Rail Road, MTA bus and Nassau Intercounty Express (NICE) bus.
The Cosmos’ proposal brings much needed revenue and jobs to Nassau County and Elmont. Construction at the site would create more than 500 jobs, in addition to over 3,000 full-time permanent jobs once the stadium, stores, restaurants and hotel are open.
Construction alone would generate over $500 million, concentrated in Nassau County, plus more than $200 million in annual revenue.
The project is expected to cost over $400 million, and will be privately funded.
Timeline
The proposal for Elmont Town Crossings was formally delivered to the Empire State Development Corporation on January 11, 2013.
If approved, the Cosmos will spend the majority of this year working with state and local officials and the community to finalize plans and begin preparations for construction. Should a final agreement be reached, we expect shovels to break ground in 2014 and hope to have the stadium completed by the end of 2015.
The field will be installed and the stadium will open in spring 2016. Retail establishments are expected to open in the autumn of 2015.
About the Cosmos
The Cosmos, one of the most iconic clubs in American soccer, began play in 1971. They spent 14 seasons in the earlier North American Soccer League (NASL), winning five Soccer Bowl trophies and bringing some of the biggest names in world soccer history to North America, including Pelé, Giorgio Chinaglia, Franz Beckenbauer. The Cosmos last won the NASL Soccer Bowl in 1982.
It’s been nearly 30 years since the Cosmos have played in a professional league. Yet throughout their absence, the club has maintained a loyal and dedicated fan following. On July 12, 2012, it was announced that the New York Cosmos will return to the NASL, beginning play in the 2013 NASL Fall Championship and the club are currently taking deposits on season tickets. As they ready to take the field once again, they want to make Belmont their home.
