FAQ

Why are the Cosmos looking to build a stadium at Belmont Park?
Who are the Cosmos?
Where is the stadium site?
How much will the development cost?
Who is paying for the stadium?
How large will the stadium be?
What about the retail and restaurant aspect of the site?
What’s the timeline for the project?
How many days a year will the stadium host events?
What kinds of games will be hosted at the stadium?
How will the stadium be used in the offseason?
Will there be enough parking?
​What will the impact be on the surrounding community and local residents?
 

A: Having evaluated a wide array of potential sites in the New York area, when the state issued a "request for proposal" we immediately realized that Belmont Park was too good of an opportunity to miss. The Cosmos believe that Belmont Park provides an excellent venue – already zoned for major sporting events, with access to public transportation, vast potential for job growth, both in construction and retail, and the addition of a major sports team to the New York metropolitan region.

Q: Who are the Cosmos?
A: The New York Cosmos are one of the most iconic clubs in American soccer, and with the likes of Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, Giorgio Chinaglia and Johan Neeskens, have featured some of the greatest players in the history of the sport. The Cosmos will field a team for the first time in almost 30 years, retracing their history as part of the North American Soccer League. Throughout their absence, the club has maintained a loyal and dedicated following who have longed for their return to the playing field.

Q: Where is the stadium site?
A: The stadium will be built on the southernmost parking lot of Belmont Park, bordering the Cross Island Parkway on the west and Hempstead Turnpike at the north. It will connect over Hempstead Turnpike to retail, restaurants and a hotel via a pedestrian overpass.

Q: How much will the development cost?
A: We expect the entire development to cost more than $400 million, and it will be privately-funded.

Q: Who is paying for the stadium?
A: The Cosmos and its ownership will secure the entire cost of the stadium as well as investing additional money for soccer fields in the community. There is no cost to taxpayers.

Q: How large will the stadium be?
A: The land south of Hempstead Turnpike is 28 acres. The stadium can hold 25,000 attendees and will have a two-story retail center with up to three levels of underground parking.

Q: What about the retail and restaurant aspect of the site?
A: Retail and restaurants will be on the site north of Hempstead Turnpike. It will include a 60,000-square foot “Restaurant Row” for nine eateries, and nearly 250,000 square feet of retail space.
The retail space will be divided between three structures. The first will encompass the majority of the Hempstead Turnpike frontage, consisting of 223,000 square feet on two levels above structured parking.

The second will 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 will be 5,000 square feet where we expect to sell Cosmos apparel and sporting goods.

Q: What’s the timeline for the project?
A: If approved, shovels will break ground in 2014, and the stadium is expected to be completed by the end of 2015, with the field being installed and stadium opening in spring 2016. Retail establishments are expected to open in the autumn of 2015.

Q: How many days a year will the stadium host events?
A: We anticipate the stadium will host events 30-50 days a year, in addition to existing park race days.

Q: What kinds of games will be hosted at the stadium?
A: In addition to all Cosmos home games, we will be a potential venue for other world class soccer matches, including World Cup qualifying matches for the U.S. Men's and Women's national team, the U.S. Olympic Team and NCAA games. We also anticipate the stadium will host exhibition matches featuring renowned international teams.

Q: How will the stadium be used in the offseason?
A: The Cosmos plan to open up the stadium to local sports teams, including those from Elmont Memorial High School, providing them with a first-rate, safe place to practice and play. The retail and restaurants will be open year round.

Q: Will there be enough parking?
A: Belmont Park has extensive parking which together with new underground facilities will 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.

Q: What will the impact be on the surrounding community and local residents?
A: Most importantly we will keep local residents and the community in mind at all times when developing the proposal. It contains numerous features, including a foot bridge over Hempstead Turnpike to limit automotive traffic. The stadium also will have a downward slope from west to east, so its profile will be no higher than 30 feet along the residential perimeter. Additionally, the Cosmos have pledged to invest $2.5 million for community soccer fields and notably, the creation of a brand new 4.3 acre park.