HOK has won approvals for its proposed new stadium design at Willets Point, Queens, for the New York City Football Club (NYCFC) MLS franchise.

The go-ahead was granted by City Councilors last week as the future anchor to the larger mixed-use Willets Point Phase II Redevelopment Plan development that includes a new public school and 2,500-unit affordable housing component, along with 150,000 square feet of public spaces adjacent to Citi Field at a site formerly known as the 'Valley of Ashes.'

At a cost of $780 million, HOK will deliver a two-tiered, 25,000-seat design (the city’s first purpose-built soccer stadium) built using local materials and featuring green design strategies like PV panels and stormwater retention. According to the architects, this will allow for its operation to be all-electric and net-zero, with annual emissions reductions equal to 12% within a year of the project's inauguration. 

Construction of the Willets Point Revitalization Plan is estimated to generate $6.1 billion in economic activity and create 1,550 new permanent jobs, according to the firm's press release. The first phase of the project broke ground in December and is expected to culminate by the end of 2026 with 880 new units of affordable housing. NYCFC CEO Brad Sims told The Athletic the team is "optimistic" that the stadium will be finished in time for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, which the United States and Mexico have prepared a joint bid to host.

"It’s transformative for our club," Sims added. "Being a tenant is not a realistic and viable long-term plan for a sports franchise. Owning, operating (and) running your own facility 365 days a year is extremely important to be able to, I think, realize your potential. I think the one thing that has been holding back New York City FC in 10 years is infrastructure."

HOK is also working on the design for the new Jacksonville Jaguars NFL stadium for the 2028 season.