MLB + MLS in Queens? Mets interested in bringing soccer to Citi Field

Image source: Major League Soccer

We caught wind of this new twist in the MLS stadium saga last week – the NYDN reports that the NY Mets are “very interested and fully capable” in bringing Major League Soccer to Citi Field. Open space advocates also love the idea. City Councilman Peter Vallone (D-Astoria) shared the news, and calls this a “win-win” for both soccer fans and those who would like to keep Flushing Meadows Corona Park open and free of another large structure (the MLS stadium).

Vallone said further:

“We have a state-of-the-art stadium sitting there waiting to be used a few yards away. This way we get to keep the parkland and we get Major League Soccer in Queens.”

MLS spokeswoman Risa Heller, says MLS is not interested in this scenario. MLS sees a new soccer stadium as a “win for soccer fans, a win for the Queens community and a win for economic development.” The new stadium will create jobs – 2,100 to 2,300 jobs in construction, 160 full-time and 750 part-time jobs after the stadium is built. It will also likely put Queens on the map with regard to professional soccer in this country.

Mets interested in bringing Major League Soccer to Citi Field [NYDN]
The landscape of the Major League Soccer stadium saga in Flushing Meadows Corona Park [QNYC]
MLS concludes via survey that Queens residents support the new stadium [QNYC]