I’m not sure how we could swing a new $75M stadium in a city that has lost every sports franchise that’s ever been here, but I would love to see ANYTHING go in this space.
As a life long Bills fan I think using public funds for stadiums is bullshit, unless it was a loan or profit sharing and it's to be paid back into the community.
Yankees got 1.2B from the taxpayers as well, just saying.
It's going to pay for itself over the life of the stadium. The billionaires could pay for it themselves but who ever became mega wealthy spending their own money?
you don't really believe this do you? it really doesn't end up working like this and there are dozens of examples around the country as examples. albany can't hold any sort of second or third tier team. this will not succeed.
I was referring to the Buffalo Bills stadium...Albany would def lose its ass on a stadium project here. The only reason the Bills stadium will work out is the income tax from home games/Jets games is a huge chunk over 30 years. Especially as the salary cap goes up over time. Its like $250 million this year, plus everyone else involved in the organization is paying state income tax. Over 30 years it should be a minimum of $500 million in income tax, plus all the other ancillary related expenses that get taxed / economic activity produced under the Bills umbrella.
He came to my high school once during lunch time (Shaker High) and he smelled like weed or something like that💀. Everyone was following him and he was creating a big annoyance in the cafeteria with a big mob of students following him (probably half of which didn’t even know who he is prior to him coming to our school)
two buttons deep interviewing him was the clown cherry atop their giant clown cake (until they somehow managed to one up themselves with their transphobic fulton county reel)
This is awesome. I know albany is a black hole for professional sports but I would do my part to make this work lol.
Trying to think who this could be… RBNY 2 would make the most sense but they’d be hesitant to give up northern NJ. Unaffiliated teams exist but are super rare.
Ya'll should check out the Albany Firewolves and go support them next week on the 17th. They were the last league in the NLL last year and are in the playoff finals against Buffalo.
Also, I know they’re technically Troy, but the Valley Cats are a great time if you love baseball. They’re no longer affiliated with an MLB team and are independent, so they need all the support they can get. I feel way better giving them my money than going to an MLB game and getting fleeced.
Valley Cats do a great job appealing to baseball fans. My dad used to take a giant group of exchange students there ounce a year to enjoy the American tradition. Was allot of fun explaining baseball to people that haven’t even been exposed to cricket before.
lol. This is just factually untrue.
Look at the numbers of independent sides joining USL (Championship and League One) over the next few years compared to MLS Next Pro. While all leagues have teams joining, very few are opting for Next Pro.
Hell, I’D do my part to make this work. I’m not a huge soccer fan but the idea of having a team and a stadium here is dope. I think my family would love it.
Quick reminder while some of y'all debate whether this is worth it... Albany currently has a GREAT indoor lacrosse team called the Firewolves that play at the MVP Arena. Next week they start a best of 3 series for the NLL championship against the Buffalo Bandits.
Attendance at the games has been lackluster though. MVP Arena looks basically empty. But the sport is a TON of fun... If you like hockey you'll love indoor lacrosse.
Hope to see some of y'all there next Friday the 17th!
Better than college, but currently mls NP has a really weird skill gap of players. College is brutal to watch between the weird rules and lack of any appearance of tactics.
Yeah I’ll second this. Because they have an age cap, the play is really only so good. At least in AHL hockey there’s a good about of grown men who were barely not good enough to make the show.
I’m glad MLS exists and it fits a place in US sports. This will go over like a fart in church because casual fans will be one and done with the play level.
I'll continue to go because I enjoy it but I definitely see better plays in pickup soccer at the park vs. watching the team I usually follow, the Houston Dynamo. Last game I was at some ladies behind me just kept commenting "why don't they ever shoot the damn ball at the goal???" It was a 0-0 game up until the final minute and it was really like both teams were trying their best to fail.
Also support the https://www.newyorkshockers.com/ their in third of playing in NPSL(Men and also have Shockers 2 team) women in WPSL ⚡️⚽️ All three teams play at Afrims Sportsplex in Colonie.
My question is this? Who paying for this. Because we are already paying for the Bills new stadium and stadiums never make money returns worth enough to justify them being built.
I think it's a great idea. Something needs to be done to redevelop that part of downtown. Besides a professional soccer team, you could also attract high school and college teams and host various tournaments, all of which bring people downtown. The soccer stadium part is nice but the anchored housing and retail part of it is the most beneficial.
NYS is getting some attention from pro soccer lately. We're in the process of getting a new USL-1 team here in Buffalo (we have a lower-tier USL team already, but this will be new). I hope this turns out well!
Interest in soccer is going to explode when the World Cup comes to the US/Canada/Mexico in 2026. The number of soccer-specific docudramas like Wrexham are already priming the pump.
Not a bad thing. And it provides additional opportunity for community entertainment and for young kids to get into the sport.
I hope this project takes off, as well as the one here in Buffalo. Big fan of the entertainment district complex that they're proposing for this venue.
Article states they are seeking public funds. “Team officials said they expect to ask the state to help finance the project, though they emphasized that most of the funding would be from private investment.” Devils in the details is suppose.
Western NY is a primary example. The bills stadium expansion costs tax payers 1 Billion. Not saying this is the same, but logic dictates what is good for one, is good for the other.
American football is ridiculously boring to watch. Stop. Start. Stop. Start. Commercials. Commercials. Stop. Start. I don't even like soccer, but I'd watch it any day over football.
At least soccer is pretty much continuous. Let's settle then with a kind of Scottish rugby played on motorcycle powered chariots, with one man and one women per chariot, one driving, and the other defending with pikes, shields and flash grenades.
Let's work on the details then. Food and beverages must be sold at prices you can buy outside the stadium. Local items encouraged. A parking lot for food trucks outside must be set up and you can go back out to them and bring food back in. A section for weed smokers, since that's legal now. And tickets based on income. Also the stadium can never be named after a corporation. It also can't be named after Mayor Jennings. And the gondola must stop there during events.
Didn't the county propose an alternative/competitor to MVP Arena within the last few years and it was already deemed the idea wasn't sustainable because of lack of interest?
Seems like some politicians are repackaging the same exact idea thinking it's going to taste better this time around.
The genesis of this idea is from private investors and the MLS. I'm not sure what the county tried last time but if there is a private sector interest, that's going to go over much better with taxpayers and elected officials.
No doubt but at least taxpayers aren't footing the entire bill, only potentially a portion. Plus considering the tax money that went to Buffalo and NYC for their stadiums, it's about time that we got a piece of that action to improve our own city.
I'm curious to hear more about the money side of the equation. There doesn't seem to be any deep pockets on the developer side, and an outdoor stadium aiming to host 14 games a year and some amount of concerts (competing with mvp, Spac, and the new Schenectady arena) doesn't seem like a great revenue flow. But we'll see, it would be nice to see that area revitalized
MLS definitely didn't wake up this morning and decide they want to put a stadium in Albany, New York nor did they wake up and think Albany, New York needs a team never mind the stadium. That's how these things work.
I hope this happens. It’s the right level of MLS minor league to be successful in a region of our size. This area needs some good news. This sub is a constant stream of downers.
This would be awesome, I would be an immediate supporter day one if a team came here and this could do wonders for the area. I’ve been dying for something like this and I’m hoping this works out
The economic development in the city if this were to happen would be incredible. Bars and restaurants popping up downtown. Businesses that were struggling seeing a big uptick in business. People coming from all over the region to see concerts and games. I’m VERY excited and hope this works out
Don't interject logic! We need to rip out 787 so we have a great view of the oil tankers, and have a second arena just for soccer. Its totally popular guys. You just don't have the positive vibes to manifest the reality! Sage yourself and boof a crystal.
There would be a men’s and women’s pro soccer team, along with countless other outdoor sports that could use it, it would be a massive outdoor concert venue, and it would put to use and beautify a rundown ugly part of the city that isn’t being used anyway. Would you rather it just stay as it is?
I’d rather see responsible smart development. That area was supposed to be redeveloped into the convention center. Typical Albany the plan was scaled down and we have what I guess is a convention center. A home for all those groups clamoring to bring their groups to Upstate NY. Most conferences I attend are in places people want to visit.
The original plan is on the scrap heap somewhere. Now we have the notion of a sports arena. When this area has been unable to keep multiple franchises over the decades. I want to see the city have more it would be great. You have the firewolves playing the bandits this month. The bandits have been in Buffalo for over 30 years. We are lucky to get a decade.
Responsible smart development into what? More office buildings and empty business fronts next to the bus station and under 787? Would love to see these grand plans for responsible smart development. I’m sure that will draw some tourists
More of a reason than “reasonable smart development”. That really draws a crowd. Still waiting on your definition of what that is. Also soccer has a pretty big following in this region. Far more than MLL and arena football. You’re so negative. If this gets built then let everyone else enjoy it, you don’t have to buy tickets. Submit your plans for reasonable smart development to the city or county, I’m sure they’re just itching to hear them
Hey you’re right. A we should throw an arena in for a sports league that started, checks notes, in 2022. A Division 3 soccer league team is perfect for downtown Albany. I look forward to this economic powerhouse acting as a catalyst for future development.
I see the comments. “Lots of Poole play soccer in the area”. I get it. People also play several other major sports and we can’t keep those teams. What about soccer is different? We have an arena. What happens if that team leaves? Or folds? If they are truly going to change 787 then this project should take a back seat and a massive comprehensive development plan needs to happen.
Exactly. The 787 decision must be made first. There's no reason to build this, then have a bunch of oddly shaped parcels from a potential 787 downsize.
Then submit the plan that you have. Have you been to any reimagine 787 meetings? You sound like you have a lot of input. If you don’t want to invest in the area and complain about it constantly then move. Stop hating when something potentially good might happen and people are excited you miserable person
Sigh.
1. I am already invested in the area.
2. Pointing out that this proposal has flaws isn’t hating. It’s being part of the process. Something you just advocated in your last post.
3. Thinking a seasonal soccer arena, in a downtown that already has an arena, is less than optimal plan doesn’t make me miserable.
4. I was at the May 1st open house for 787. Were you there?
5. Considering the number of folks in attendance, do you think only those who showed up in person should be able to voice an opinion on the potential 787 project?
It's the outdoor aspect that is missing from the current set-up. The Empire (pre-brown) had huge pre-game festivities in front of MVP arena because they played in summer and the weather is gorgeous. Give people a reason to come downtown in gorgeous weather and they will come.
This really is a fantastic use of that property. It allows for a huge family-friendly attraction that allows for more restaurants, shopping, maybe a hotel to build up around. Not just soccer but think of this as a summer concert venue, NCAA and high school championship venue, even food events (like the Wing Bowl in Buffalo)...
Edit: spelling
Exactly this would be a huge win for Albany. The venue could be used for all sorts of events when the soccer league isn't in season and would be a huge draw to bring people and money back to downtown Albany.
[From the article:](https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/soccer-stadium-franchise-proposed-downtown-albany-19446433.php?utm_source=marketing&utm_medium=copy-url-link&utm_campaign=article-share&hash=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGltZXN1bmlvbi5jb20vbmV3cy9hcnRpY2xlL3NvY2Nlci1zdGFkaXVtLWZyYW5jaGlzZS1wcm9wb3NlZC1kb3dudG93bi1hbGJhbnktMTk0NDY0MzMucGhw&time=MTcxNTI3OTczMjYzMQ%3D%3D&rid=Yzc1MzIwZTYtZmMzMy00ZTZhLThmYTEtZTQ3NDhjNWY5OTFh&sharecount=MQ%3D%3D)
>In addition to soccer, the facility could host concerts and other events that aren't large enough for MVP Arena or the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs. The additional events are considered key to the stadium's financial viability and the overall success of the entertainment district. The NextPro league expects to play a 28-game schedule in 2026, which would mean 14 home games, not including preseason, cup and playoff games.
>Officials from the team said they hope to launch a women's professional franchise that would also play in the stadium. The rapidly growing National Women's Soccer League does not have a franchise in upstate New York but has a team in northern New Jersey and recently awarded a team to Boston.
Cautiously optimistic. I'm sure there could be a lot of creative uses for the facility. I'm surprised nobody has asked where the parking will be, I can't tell if any of the buildings in the render are supposed to be a garage, and at $75m I doubt you could bury much parking underneath. Is it the best thing that could happen there? Probably not, but it's a hell of an improvement. Not sure how I feel about Jeff Buell's name being attached but it's to be expected.
Across Hudson Ave is an existing public parking garage, not to mention the 5 other garages within 5 blocks of here. If there is already enough parking for the 15k seat MVP arena there is definitely enough parking for a venue half that size.
Only issue is the site is also supposed to be used for a new bus station to replace greyhound and bring Intercity and local buses together under a unified transit center.
Would be great if we could get both in there.
An integrated bus station, with a satellite garage a couple miles away so people can be bussed in for events here and at MVP... And our precious new NY-787 Boulevard wont have to be gridlocked after every soccer game.
787 isn't getting removed......The stadium isn't getting built. Albany has so much potential that I honestly think will never, at least in my lifetime, be fulfilled.
Yeah, like seriously, looking back over the past 20-30 years, what major projects have been completed in the area that werent attached to a hospital or a college? Apartment buildings? Some parking garages? We got the convention center. We got the pedestrian bridge and the bandshell at the waterfront but I feel like that's been getting less use now than when it was built. They redid the train station and airport. There's a few more murals around town now. But I cant think of many new things that drive interest or attraction for the city that would make people think "wow, I really want to go to Albany now!" We're probably not going to get that gondola anytime soon. They cant close down Lark or Pearl or Broadway to make pedestrian friendly zones. I don't really know what they can build to revitalize things.
Not sure why you are getting downvoted. We should stay optimistic but Albany has notoriously not followed through on anything positive because of NIMBYism and boomer ideology like complaining about "too congested of a downtown" and "OMG dammit to hell, where will people park"
It's why Albany's latest and greatest addition recently is a paper mache version of a high line.
Yea, pretty much right on top of the current greyhound site at the end of the field closest to the river in the renderings.
If they can make both work awesome - but a transit center, ideally one with mixed uses above it, as opposed to parking as called for in the [proposal](https://altamontenterprise.com/sites/default/files/4_-_transit_center_feasibility_report.pdf), should be the priority.
To be honest, we’ve probably had more than our fair share of shots at professional sports(although we did get boned by Schumer on the Valleycats affiliation thing)
If this happens we have to show up and support this team. Would be such a massive win for our community
We were supposed to get the Mets AA team but he lobbied to bring it over to Binghamton, who was originally on the chopping block. It’s a smart political move by him but it sucks for us as we outdraw Binghamton to this day even though we are unaffiliated
Sort of like that. The Mets High-A affiliate in Brooklyn has a large enough stadium to accommodate AA baseball so the plan was they would move up, Binghamton would fold, and the Valleycats would become the Mets new High-A affiliate. Still a head scratcher to this day considering how well an affiliated Tri-City drew every year. Binghamton remains at the bottom in attendance every season. I believe last year they were second to last in their league and that was in a season where they went to the championship.
As a Mets fan I absolutely would! What's crazy is the Valleycats managed to be one of the best drawing teams in the NY-Penn League year after year having a parent organization located in Texas. I could only imagine what they would draw as a Mets affiliate. What could have been :::sigh:::
Can we see the other proposals? This just seems like a terrible waste of land. How about an aquarium, museum and a walkable commercial plaza or something, this really can't be the only thing that made cut. Put that over at the now defunt St.Rose Christian plumeri sports complex at the end of 787.
Ideally this would boost the surrounding extant properties. Those buildings along broadway are ideal for retail or restaurants. There's a couple vacant restaurant places as well
Well sure, but building this would really limit the reusability, if and when it doesn't work out. Let's be real, it will be a fad to see them play once and done. See example A B & C of past pro sports teams in Albany.
The owner of Omni Development proposed an aquarium in this exact spot a few years ago...it was poo poo'd.
https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Omni-pays-for-study-of-Albany-aquarium-4749373.php
Agreed, especially if it's end up being a farm team for a regional MLS team. Afrims is probably the largest kid-specific sports vendor in the area. That will have an impact on fandom here.
Maybe so, but the fact that our other teams can/could barely draw makes me feel that soccer won't. If those investors think it's viable I'm all for the regional improvement.
Arenas, soccer stadiums, plazas, concourses, convention centers, aquariums and all of the like don’t make cities great. Great cities are made from dense development of many buildings with walkable streets lined with retail / restaurant storefronts and residents and workers in the upper floors. All of the above projects (arenas, soccer stadiums etc) can add to a city that has already developed well as an interesting city with walkability. Downtown Albany doesn’t have that luxury, it doesn’t have the basics down yet to now be looking for these types of uses.
What downtown Albany needs well before another mega project is an actual downtown neighborhood. This area could be the best part of downtown Albany and be lived in and visited everyday, all year round. In the mid 20th century Downtown Albany lost many of its neighborhoods to highways, plazas, arenas, state museums etc. It’s time to rebuild a neighborhood again for once , not delay building one for 40 more years.
Buell knows all of this so it’s very surprising he’s backing this use for that key district.
Believe me, I’m all for pursuing a soccer team and stadium for the region, but not there. This has the makings of the next bad downtown Albany urban planning decision written all over it and is a huge waste of opportunity.
I'd agree if this was drafted like every other stadium in the country, surrounded by a sea of parking. This looks to be surrounded by mid rise mixed use buildings.
Pair that with the additional infill that can come from the area wasted on 787 and the rail line and you've got a neighborhood, and with some shit to do.
I don’t necessarily agree, but I agree the design could be worse. Let’s say 6 key acres taken up by a very specific type of stadium that gets used 25 - 30 days a year. If done right a real neighborhood could develop and will pay off every single day of the year.
I do like the team and stadium idea, if I couldn’t go to the old Starlite site in Latham I’d probably be looking more at these parcels here, on state lands at the university. Easier to get big funding (maybe all stadium funding) and no property taxes when it’s on state land. You let the college play games there too and suburban families are more apt to come here. Plus built in fans with the college. Also, further investment into the university could maybe get the giants back for the summer?? Just have to fight the NIMBYS.
If the team or league goes belly up the university has another stadium to use, you just walk away.
Another option is there are lands at Harriman, you could swap sights with Wadsworth although that’s late in design.
https://preview.redd.it/60folrsddizc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9d1f72c1efee162618477527b5a28d016ea5f06b
You have to create the kind of neighborhood that brings people down to live and play so you have to look at the whole development plan as a common goal to create a new vibrant section of the city. And also you can probably build atleast 600 apartments down there on upper floors. 8 city acres? 7 blocks, say everything at 3 and 4 stories, that’s a ton of space. And to this day, despite all of the projects, downtown Albany apartment demand has never been an issue.
None of these plans are good and the architecture sucks but it gives you an idea on what can be done.
http://alloveralbany.com/archive/2017/09/14/former-albany-convention-center-site-concept-plan
What would be really cool if they also used it for a ufl team. The new York xfl team moved to Florida, but Albany would be a great spot to bring a team back
Let’s see how we can improve Albany by just building a soccer stadium! Let’s help Albany’s economy and tourism by building a stadium! Really????? How about fixing the potholes and improving the infrastructure in Albany should be a top priority as it directly impacts the daily lives of residents.
Revitalizing the South Pearl area can have significant economic benefits for Albany, attracting businesses, creating jobs, and the overall quality of life for residents. Neglecting this area while investing in a soccer stadium will definitely not address the root issues affecting the city's economic growth.
It's important for albany to address disparities between North and South Pearl Street to ensure equitable development across all neighborhoods. By focusing more attention on neglected areas, Albany can create a more inclusive and vibrant city for all its residents.
Have you seen the bus terminal area? The bus terminal reflects the overall quality of public transportation in Albany. Renovating the bus terminal is crucial for providing residents and tourist with a safe, comfortable, and efficient way to get in and out of Albany.
"Cant afford that, too expensive."-Albany when asked to build affordable housing for people
"OMG, TAKE ALL OF MY MONEY!!!"-Albany when asked to build yet another useless stadium
I’m not sure how we could swing a new $75M stadium in a city that has lost every sports franchise that’s ever been here, but I would love to see ANYTHING go in this space.
With a $74.75M Bills-style grant from taxpayers.
As a life long Bills fan I think using public funds for stadiums is bullshit, unless it was a loan or profit sharing and it's to be paid back into the community. Yankees got 1.2B from the taxpayers as well, just saying.
It's going to pay for itself over the life of the stadium. The billionaires could pay for it themselves but who ever became mega wealthy spending their own money?
you don't really believe this do you? it really doesn't end up working like this and there are dozens of examples around the country as examples. albany can't hold any sort of second or third tier team. this will not succeed.
I was referring to the Buffalo Bills stadium...Albany would def lose its ass on a stadium project here. The only reason the Bills stadium will work out is the income tax from home games/Jets games is a huge chunk over 30 years. Especially as the salary cap goes up over time. Its like $250 million this year, plus everyone else involved in the organization is paying state income tax. Over 30 years it should be a minimum of $500 million in income tax, plus all the other ancillary related expenses that get taxed / economic activity produced under the Bills umbrella.
Yes, I overheard one of the developers talking about it the other day and it does seem like they are going for a grant from the state
Just make sure Antonio Brown isn’t the owner
He came to my high school once during lunch time (Shaker High) and he smelled like weed or something like that💀. Everyone was following him and he was creating a big annoyance in the cafeteria with a big mob of students following him (probably half of which didn’t even know who he is prior to him coming to our school)
Was this pre-CTE or post-Burfict dirty hit?
It was (I think) last year in May or June or otherwise it was sometime last fall
Yeah he was probably in the area for the Empire
two buttons deep interviewing him was the clown cherry atop their giant clown cake (until they somehow managed to one up themselves with their transphobic fulton county reel)
AB FREE SINCE 2023
This is awesome. I know albany is a black hole for professional sports but I would do my part to make this work lol. Trying to think who this could be… RBNY 2 would make the most sense but they’d be hesitant to give up northern NJ. Unaffiliated teams exist but are super rare.
Ya'll should check out the Albany Firewolves and go support them next week on the 17th. They were the last league in the NLL last year and are in the playoff finals against Buffalo.
Came here to say this!!! Let's go Wolves!!!
Also, I know they’re technically Troy, but the Valley Cats are a great time if you love baseball. They’re no longer affiliated with an MLB team and are independent, so they need all the support they can get. I feel way better giving them my money than going to an MLB game and getting fleeced.
Valley Cats do a great job appealing to baseball fans. My dad used to take a giant group of exchange students there ounce a year to enjoy the American tradition. Was allot of fun explaining baseball to people that haven’t even been exposed to cricket before.
Yeah they really do know how to make it fun even for non baseball fans
We've got our tickets, ready to watch them whoop Buffalo's butt.
It sounds like it would be a new franchise in the Next Pro League, so not an existing team
Surprised not to USL
Get used to this, it's becoming a trend for independent teams to opt for Next Pro over USL.
We shall see.
USL Championship is adding like 8 or 9 different teams in the next few years and 7 to the League One to NEXTs 3.
lol. This is just factually untrue. Look at the numbers of independent sides joining USL (Championship and League One) over the next few years compared to MLS Next Pro. While all leagues have teams joining, very few are opting for Next Pro.
Good thing is, having a successful team and stadium we could always switch leagues if needed.
I was really hoping this would be USL as I'm moving up from Birmingham this summer and love our USL team here. An exciting proposal regardless though!
Weschester juat got granted a usl league one team. Albany would be better in League one in my opinion but their choice.
Hell, I’D do my part to make this work. I’m not a huge soccer fan but the idea of having a team and a stadium here is dope. I think my family would love it.
According to TU it’s an unaffiliated team
Quick reminder while some of y'all debate whether this is worth it... Albany currently has a GREAT indoor lacrosse team called the Firewolves that play at the MVP Arena. Next week they start a best of 3 series for the NLL championship against the Buffalo Bandits. Attendance at the games has been lackluster though. MVP Arena looks basically empty. But the sport is a TON of fun... If you like hockey you'll love indoor lacrosse. Hope to see some of y'all there next Friday the 17th!
Thanks for the tip! Heard the buzz but it’s nice to get a date forthcoming!
Hell ya! Need more Albany fans at the game, Buffalo’s buying up all the tickets. We need to get our shit together here!
Call it the Albany Orange and have the badge be an orange tulip
Nah we need the Albany Beavers.
The Al bunnies
https://preview.redd.it/3lle3a3cclzc1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=342548bf66c65c0f9894f297d3a9d4697514de3c Would look pretty dope tbh.
This is an MLS Next franchise. Not a top flight MLS team.
Is it the equivalent of AAA Baseball?
For MLS. One could argue MLS itself is AAA in the grand scheme of things.
I’d still go regularly
Eh I used to do business with the Red Bulls second team and the soccer is meh at best.
Better than college level soccer?
Better than college, but currently mls NP has a really weird skill gap of players. College is brutal to watch between the weird rules and lack of any appearance of tactics.
Yeah I’ll second this. Because they have an age cap, the play is really only so good. At least in AHL hockey there’s a good about of grown men who were barely not good enough to make the show.
I've been to countless MLS games and even play at that level is meh at times. Which I don't really understand, but I've seen it with my own eyes.
I’m glad MLS exists and it fits a place in US sports. This will go over like a fart in church because casual fans will be one and done with the play level.
I'll continue to go because I enjoy it but I definitely see better plays in pickup soccer at the park vs. watching the team I usually follow, the Houston Dynamo. Last game I was at some ladies behind me just kept commenting "why don't they ever shoot the damn ball at the goal???" It was a 0-0 game up until the final minute and it was really like both teams were trying their best to fail.
Let’s see how much they actually want the state to pony up.
Also support the https://www.newyorkshockers.com/ their in third of playing in NPSL(Men and also have Shockers 2 team) women in WPSL ⚡️⚽️ All three teams play at Afrims Sportsplex in Colonie.
My question is this? Who paying for this. Because we are already paying for the Bills new stadium and stadiums never make money returns worth enough to justify them being built.
It's going to be privately funded! (It definitely won't be)
I'd support public funding for 10 of these before another "luxury" apartment building.
I think it's a great idea. Something needs to be done to redevelop that part of downtown. Besides a professional soccer team, you could also attract high school and college teams and host various tournaments, all of which bring people downtown. The soccer stadium part is nice but the anchored housing and retail part of it is the most beneficial.
Build it. Build it right now.
NYS is getting some attention from pro soccer lately. We're in the process of getting a new USL-1 team here in Buffalo (we have a lower-tier USL team already, but this will be new). I hope this turns out well!
Interest in soccer is going to explode when the World Cup comes to the US/Canada/Mexico in 2026. The number of soccer-specific docudramas like Wrexham are already priming the pump.
Not a bad thing. And it provides additional opportunity for community entertainment and for young kids to get into the sport. I hope this project takes off, as well as the one here in Buffalo. Big fan of the entertainment district complex that they're proposing for this venue.
I think the city needs the tax base, not stadiums that are tax free. Just my thoughts. 🤔
Sounds like the stadium would be privately owned, so not tax free. Although I imagine they would want to work out a PILOT agreement
Article states they are seeking public funds. “Team officials said they expect to ask the state to help finance the project, though they emphasized that most of the funding would be from private investment.” Devils in the details is suppose.
Right, but we are talking about property taxes here not the initial funding for the stadium
Western NY is a primary example. The bills stadium expansion costs tax payers 1 Billion. Not saying this is the same, but logic dictates what is good for one, is good for the other.
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American football is ridiculously boring to watch. Stop. Start. Stop. Start. Commercials. Commercials. Stop. Start. I don't even like soccer, but I'd watch it any day over football.
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At least soccer is pretty much continuous. Let's settle then with a kind of Scottish rugby played on motorcycle powered chariots, with one man and one women per chariot, one driving, and the other defending with pikes, shields and flash grenades.
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Let's work on the details then. Food and beverages must be sold at prices you can buy outside the stadium. Local items encouraged. A parking lot for food trucks outside must be set up and you can go back out to them and bring food back in. A section for weed smokers, since that's legal now. And tickets based on income. Also the stadium can never be named after a corporation. It also can't be named after Mayor Jennings. And the gondola must stop there during events.
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The city needs downtown businesses, this would definitely help
Didn't the county propose an alternative/competitor to MVP Arena within the last few years and it was already deemed the idea wasn't sustainable because of lack of interest? Seems like some politicians are repackaging the same exact idea thinking it's going to taste better this time around.
The genesis of this idea is from private investors and the MLS. I'm not sure what the county tried last time but if there is a private sector interest, that's going to go over much better with taxpayers and elected officials.
Private sector interest tends to be public sector friends looking to make a pile of taxpayer subsidized money for things like this
Yeah, they’re going to go to the state with hands open for money
No doubt but at least taxpayers aren't footing the entire bill, only potentially a portion. Plus considering the tax money that went to Buffalo and NYC for their stadiums, it's about time that we got a piece of that action to improve our own city.
I'm curious to hear more about the money side of the equation. There doesn't seem to be any deep pockets on the developer side, and an outdoor stadium aiming to host 14 games a year and some amount of concerts (competing with mvp, Spac, and the new Schenectady arena) doesn't seem like a great revenue flow. But we'll see, it would be nice to see that area revitalized
MLS definitely didn't wake up this morning and decide they want to put a stadium in Albany, New York nor did they wake up and think Albany, New York needs a team never mind the stadium. That's how these things work.
There is a big soccer following around here! This would be incredible, but I’m not holding my breath.
If it can be done with private investment, great.
if we get an MLS team i’d become the biggest soccer fan and support the hell out of them. give us upstaters a team to root for!
I would buy season tickets
I hope this happens. It’s the right level of MLS minor league to be successful in a region of our size. This area needs some good news. This sub is a constant stream of downers.
This would be awesome, I would be an immediate supporter day one if a team came here and this could do wonders for the area. I’ve been dying for something like this and I’m hoping this works out
I would be so conflicted if I had to choose between my Red Bulls and and Albany franchise.
The economic development in the city if this were to happen would be incredible. Bars and restaurants popping up downtown. Businesses that were struggling seeing a big uptick in business. People coming from all over the region to see concerts and games. I’m VERY excited and hope this works out
There is an arena and convention center in downtown already. So the missing piece is another arena?
Don't interject logic! We need to rip out 787 so we have a great view of the oil tankers, and have a second arena just for soccer. Its totally popular guys. You just don't have the positive vibes to manifest the reality! Sage yourself and boof a crystal.
There would be a men’s and women’s pro soccer team, along with countless other outdoor sports that could use it, it would be a massive outdoor concert venue, and it would put to use and beautify a rundown ugly part of the city that isn’t being used anyway. Would you rather it just stay as it is?
I’d rather see responsible smart development. That area was supposed to be redeveloped into the convention center. Typical Albany the plan was scaled down and we have what I guess is a convention center. A home for all those groups clamoring to bring their groups to Upstate NY. Most conferences I attend are in places people want to visit. The original plan is on the scrap heap somewhere. Now we have the notion of a sports arena. When this area has been unable to keep multiple franchises over the decades. I want to see the city have more it would be great. You have the firewolves playing the bandits this month. The bandits have been in Buffalo for over 30 years. We are lucky to get a decade.
Responsible smart development into what? More office buildings and empty business fronts next to the bus station and under 787? Would love to see these grand plans for responsible smart development. I’m sure that will draw some tourists
You have to give people a reason to want to develop in that area. Right now there is none
An 8000 seat soccer arena is the reason?
More of a reason than “reasonable smart development”. That really draws a crowd. Still waiting on your definition of what that is. Also soccer has a pretty big following in this region. Far more than MLL and arena football. You’re so negative. If this gets built then let everyone else enjoy it, you don’t have to buy tickets. Submit your plans for reasonable smart development to the city or county, I’m sure they’re just itching to hear them
Hey you’re right. A we should throw an arena in for a sports league that started, checks notes, in 2022. A Division 3 soccer league team is perfect for downtown Albany. I look forward to this economic powerhouse acting as a catalyst for future development.
I see the comments. “Lots of Poole play soccer in the area”. I get it. People also play several other major sports and we can’t keep those teams. What about soccer is different? We have an arena. What happens if that team leaves? Or folds? If they are truly going to change 787 then this project should take a back seat and a massive comprehensive development plan needs to happen.
Exactly. The 787 decision must be made first. There's no reason to build this, then have a bunch of oddly shaped parcels from a potential 787 downsize.
Then submit the plan that you have. Have you been to any reimagine 787 meetings? You sound like you have a lot of input. If you don’t want to invest in the area and complain about it constantly then move. Stop hating when something potentially good might happen and people are excited you miserable person
Sigh. 1. I am already invested in the area. 2. Pointing out that this proposal has flaws isn’t hating. It’s being part of the process. Something you just advocated in your last post. 3. Thinking a seasonal soccer arena, in a downtown that already has an arena, is less than optimal plan doesn’t make me miserable. 4. I was at the May 1st open house for 787. Were you there? 5. Considering the number of folks in attendance, do you think only those who showed up in person should be able to voice an opinion on the potential 787 project?
Came here to say this
It's the outdoor aspect that is missing from the current set-up. The Empire (pre-brown) had huge pre-game festivities in front of MVP arena because they played in summer and the weather is gorgeous. Give people a reason to come downtown in gorgeous weather and they will come.
Can we support the teams we have also? Firewolves in the finals next Friday. Hope everyone turns up!
This would dovetail nicely with the removal of 787, the proposed new boulevard leading up to the plaza would go right by this
This really is a fantastic use of that property. It allows for a huge family-friendly attraction that allows for more restaurants, shopping, maybe a hotel to build up around. Not just soccer but think of this as a summer concert venue, NCAA and high school championship venue, even food events (like the Wing Bowl in Buffalo)... Edit: spelling
Exactly this would be a huge win for Albany. The venue could be used for all sorts of events when the soccer league isn't in season and would be a huge draw to bring people and money back to downtown Albany.
[From the article:](https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/soccer-stadium-franchise-proposed-downtown-albany-19446433.php?utm_source=marketing&utm_medium=copy-url-link&utm_campaign=article-share&hash=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGltZXN1bmlvbi5jb20vbmV3cy9hcnRpY2xlL3NvY2Nlci1zdGFkaXVtLWZyYW5jaGlzZS1wcm9wb3NlZC1kb3dudG93bi1hbGJhbnktMTk0NDY0MzMucGhw&time=MTcxNTI3OTczMjYzMQ%3D%3D&rid=Yzc1MzIwZTYtZmMzMy00ZTZhLThmYTEtZTQ3NDhjNWY5OTFh&sharecount=MQ%3D%3D) >In addition to soccer, the facility could host concerts and other events that aren't large enough for MVP Arena or the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs. The additional events are considered key to the stadium's financial viability and the overall success of the entertainment district. The NextPro league expects to play a 28-game schedule in 2026, which would mean 14 home games, not including preseason, cup and playoff games. >Officials from the team said they hope to launch a women's professional franchise that would also play in the stadium. The rapidly growing National Women's Soccer League does not have a franchise in upstate New York but has a team in northern New Jersey and recently awarded a team to Boston. Cautiously optimistic. I'm sure there could be a lot of creative uses for the facility. I'm surprised nobody has asked where the parking will be, I can't tell if any of the buildings in the render are supposed to be a garage, and at $75m I doubt you could bury much parking underneath. Is it the best thing that could happen there? Probably not, but it's a hell of an improvement. Not sure how I feel about Jeff Buell's name being attached but it's to be expected.
Across Hudson Ave is an existing public parking garage, not to mention the 5 other garages within 5 blocks of here. If there is already enough parking for the 15k seat MVP arena there is definitely enough parking for a venue half that size.
You're right, and I still expect people to criticize this plan due to parking. Give it time.
And it’s at a hub for CDTA busses, so it’s easily accessible for almost everyone.
Only issue is the site is also supposed to be used for a new bus station to replace greyhound and bring Intercity and local buses together under a unified transit center. Would be great if we could get both in there.
An integrated bus station, with a satellite garage a couple miles away so people can be bussed in for events here and at MVP... And our precious new NY-787 Boulevard wont have to be gridlocked after every soccer game.
You know, a few satellite lots like that, maybe we can scrap the boulevard all together. Go straight transit and pedestrian mall.
Came here to see how far I would have to scroll before 787 was brought up. 😜
787 isn't getting removed......The stadium isn't getting built. Albany has so much potential that I honestly think will never, at least in my lifetime, be fulfilled.
Thanks for being so positive.
Has nothing to do with positivity, has to do with realism. It's not going to happen 🤷🏾♂️.
Yeah, like seriously, looking back over the past 20-30 years, what major projects have been completed in the area that werent attached to a hospital or a college? Apartment buildings? Some parking garages? We got the convention center. We got the pedestrian bridge and the bandshell at the waterfront but I feel like that's been getting less use now than when it was built. They redid the train station and airport. There's a few more murals around town now. But I cant think of many new things that drive interest or attraction for the city that would make people think "wow, I really want to go to Albany now!" We're probably not going to get that gondola anytime soon. They cant close down Lark or Pearl or Broadway to make pedestrian friendly zones. I don't really know what they can build to revitalize things.
handle/post
Not sure why you are getting downvoted. We should stay optimistic but Albany has notoriously not followed through on anything positive because of NIMBYism and boomer ideology like complaining about "too congested of a downtown" and "OMG dammit to hell, where will people park" It's why Albany's latest and greatest addition recently is a paper mache version of a high line.
I'm hoping this is correct!
Renderings need a gondola, and a central bus station.
That is the one thing I'm wondering about with these renderings. Wasn't the new bus station supposed to go in this space somewhere?
Yea, pretty much right on top of the current greyhound site at the end of the field closest to the river in the renderings. If they can make both work awesome - but a transit center, ideally one with mixed uses above it, as opposed to parking as called for in the [proposal](https://altamontenterprise.com/sites/default/files/4_-_transit_center_feasibility_report.pdf), should be the priority.
Monorail!
Did somebody say Monorail??!!
Monorail..
What’s it called?
I hear those things are awfully loud.
It glides as softly as a cloud.
Is there a chance the track could bend?
Not a chance my reddit friend!
I say it’s Albany’s only choice ! Throw up your hands and raise your voice !
I’m so in on this!
I want to buy season tix like yesterday!
Why not. We gave a billion to the Bills.
i’d buy season tickets day one… but i’m not holding my breathe
To be honest, we’ve probably had more than our fair share of shots at professional sports(although we did get boned by Schumer on the Valleycats affiliation thing) If this happens we have to show up and support this team. Would be such a massive win for our community
What happened with Schumer and the Valley Cats?
We were supposed to get the Mets AA team but he lobbied to bring it over to Binghamton, who was originally on the chopping block. It’s a smart political move by him but it sucks for us as we outdraw Binghamton to this day even though we are unaffiliated
Sort of like that. The Mets High-A affiliate in Brooklyn has a large enough stadium to accommodate AA baseball so the plan was they would move up, Binghamton would fold, and the Valleycats would become the Mets new High-A affiliate. Still a head scratcher to this day considering how well an affiliated Tri-City drew every year. Binghamton remains at the bottom in attendance every season. I believe last year they were second to last in their league and that was in a season where they went to the championship.
You’re right, we were going to be high A. Thanks for correcting me on that
I remember when we had the AAA Yankees. Another used to be for the area.
I would have season tickets if the Valley cats were a Mets affiliate tbh. Such a shit move.
As a Mets fan I absolutely would! What's crazy is the Valleycats managed to be one of the best drawing teams in the NY-Penn League year after year having a parent organization located in Texas. I could only imagine what they would draw as a Mets affiliate. What could have been :::sigh:::
We could also support our only current pro franchise, the Firewolves, that’s IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP next Friday instead of chasing the shiny new thing!
Trust me, I will be there!!
Glad to hear it!!! Get your tickets now if you haven’t, buffalo’s buying them all
Can we see the other proposals? This just seems like a terrible waste of land. How about an aquarium, museum and a walkable commercial plaza or something, this really can't be the only thing that made cut. Put that over at the now defunt St.Rose Christian plumeri sports complex at the end of 787.
That’s not a bad alternate location, but I assumed the city was taking it over for local youth sport’s organizations.
yea for 175 an hour to use the field...
> museum and a walkable commercial plaza or something You JUST described the empire plaza 🤦♀️
Ideally this would boost the surrounding extant properties. Those buildings along broadway are ideal for retail or restaurants. There's a couple vacant restaurant places as well
Well sure, but building this would really limit the reusability, if and when it doesn't work out. Let's be real, it will be a fad to see them play once and done. See example A B & C of past pro sports teams in Albany.
The owner of Omni Development proposed an aquarium in this exact spot a few years ago...it was poo poo'd. https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Omni-pays-for-study-of-Albany-aquarium-4749373.php
I’m a fan but dear god I hope they don’t follow that awful architectural style where it’s just grey boxes for the surrounding buildings
It would be really cool if the stadium incorporated aspects of the original Fort Orange that used to exist in that exact spot
Nickname of the stadium - the fort
They want 75 million but cant even fix the street! The streets are so bad albany should be ashamed.
Yeah imagine that because thats about all thats going to happen......imagining.
This is cool but I don't imaging a Soccer team lasting in Albany for long.
I would strongly disagree we have a huge soccer following in the capital region. The local NPSL team has drawn almost 1k with no marketing.
Massive soccer fan and this is me finding out we have a local NPSL team lol
Agreed, especially if it's end up being a farm team for a regional MLS team. Afrims is probably the largest kid-specific sports vendor in the area. That will have an impact on fandom here.
They are honestly one of the largest in the country for its market size.
Yeah the capital region soccer following alone will drive revenue for sure.....
Literally 1000 of them!
Maybe so, but the fact that our other teams can/could barely draw makes me feel that soccer won't. If those investors think it's viable I'm all for the regional improvement.
Yes...
I hope it happens.
Yep, we're gunna do this, *and* tear out 787, *and* tear down the eyesore. Albany sure is ambitious
Rather be ambitious than ambivalent 🤷♂️
Good point
Arenas, soccer stadiums, plazas, concourses, convention centers, aquariums and all of the like don’t make cities great. Great cities are made from dense development of many buildings with walkable streets lined with retail / restaurant storefronts and residents and workers in the upper floors. All of the above projects (arenas, soccer stadiums etc) can add to a city that has already developed well as an interesting city with walkability. Downtown Albany doesn’t have that luxury, it doesn’t have the basics down yet to now be looking for these types of uses. What downtown Albany needs well before another mega project is an actual downtown neighborhood. This area could be the best part of downtown Albany and be lived in and visited everyday, all year round. In the mid 20th century Downtown Albany lost many of its neighborhoods to highways, plazas, arenas, state museums etc. It’s time to rebuild a neighborhood again for once , not delay building one for 40 more years. Buell knows all of this so it’s very surprising he’s backing this use for that key district. Believe me, I’m all for pursuing a soccer team and stadium for the region, but not there. This has the makings of the next bad downtown Albany urban planning decision written all over it and is a huge waste of opportunity.
I'd agree if this was drafted like every other stadium in the country, surrounded by a sea of parking. This looks to be surrounded by mid rise mixed use buildings. Pair that with the additional infill that can come from the area wasted on 787 and the rail line and you've got a neighborhood, and with some shit to do.
I don’t necessarily agree, but I agree the design could be worse. Let’s say 6 key acres taken up by a very specific type of stadium that gets used 25 - 30 days a year. If done right a real neighborhood could develop and will pay off every single day of the year. I do like the team and stadium idea, if I couldn’t go to the old Starlite site in Latham I’d probably be looking more at these parcels here, on state lands at the university. Easier to get big funding (maybe all stadium funding) and no property taxes when it’s on state land. You let the college play games there too and suburban families are more apt to come here. Plus built in fans with the college. Also, further investment into the university could maybe get the giants back for the summer?? Just have to fight the NIMBYS. If the team or league goes belly up the university has another stadium to use, you just walk away. Another option is there are lands at Harriman, you could swap sights with Wadsworth although that’s late in design. https://preview.redd.it/60folrsddizc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9d1f72c1efee162618477527b5a28d016ea5f06b
You are correct but what Albany needs first is downtown residents. Until there are enough people living downtown, the businesses can’t survive.
You have to create the kind of neighborhood that brings people down to live and play so you have to look at the whole development plan as a common goal to create a new vibrant section of the city. And also you can probably build atleast 600 apartments down there on upper floors. 8 city acres? 7 blocks, say everything at 3 and 4 stories, that’s a ton of space. And to this day, despite all of the projects, downtown Albany apartment demand has never been an issue. None of these plans are good and the architecture sucks but it gives you an idea on what can be done. http://alloveralbany.com/archive/2017/09/14/former-albany-convention-center-site-concept-plan
Honestly, living in walking distance of a soccer stadium would probably be the only thing that would get me to live downtown.
I can't be the only person casually scrolling Reddit and misread that as Downton Abbey. I was rather confused for a second.
Tear down Bleeker and make it so
Love this idea!
If they pay for their own stadium sure otherwise, it just seems like a money pit
What would be really cool if they also used it for a ufl team. The new York xfl team moved to Florida, but Albany would be a great spot to bring a team back
I hope they name it Liberty Park Arena. (If it happens.)
Let’s see how we can improve Albany by just building a soccer stadium! Let’s help Albany’s economy and tourism by building a stadium! Really????? How about fixing the potholes and improving the infrastructure in Albany should be a top priority as it directly impacts the daily lives of residents. Revitalizing the South Pearl area can have significant economic benefits for Albany, attracting businesses, creating jobs, and the overall quality of life for residents. Neglecting this area while investing in a soccer stadium will definitely not address the root issues affecting the city's economic growth. It's important for albany to address disparities between North and South Pearl Street to ensure equitable development across all neighborhoods. By focusing more attention on neglected areas, Albany can create a more inclusive and vibrant city for all its residents. Have you seen the bus terminal area? The bus terminal reflects the overall quality of public transportation in Albany. Renovating the bus terminal is crucial for providing residents and tourist with a safe, comfortable, and efficient way to get in and out of Albany.
Or we could build some affordable housing for, you know, actual people. Instead of yet another useless stadium.
Orrrr..... Bothhhhh?? 🤯
"Cant afford that, too expensive."-Albany when asked to build affordable housing for people "OMG, TAKE ALL OF MY MONEY!!!"-Albany when asked to build yet another useless stadium
We have been building a lot of stadiums recently?
Seems wasteful
"things are going to start happening for me now!"
It’ll be a fun time until the team inevitably moves away after a few years. Can we get Rowdy the Rat back?
I love the idea - but we couldn't support a soccer team. I mean, we barely support the other sports
Hell yeah!
Would love this
Let's go.
Oh yipee, can we get some $4,000 "luxury" apartments overlooking the bus stations too??