The Cosmos played twice at MCU Park in 2015 (Photo by Michael Lewis)
NEW YORK — The Cosmos announced Thursday that MCU Park in Brooklyn will be the new home of the North American Soccer League club.
On Tuesday, BigAppleSoccer.com reported that the Cosmos would make the Coney Island baseball park their home for the 2017 season.
The team will host 16 regular season NASL matches at MCU Park this year beginning with the home opener on April 1st. Season ticket membership packages for the upcoming season will go on sale Friday.
“When I took control of the club on January 10th, our immediate priorities were to stabilize the NASL, re-hire the Cosmos front office personnel and coaching staff, rebuild our team roster and relocate to a fan friendly venue within the five boroughs,” Cosmos chairman Rocco B. Commisso said. “In less than a month, we have achieved those objectives, including re-signing many of the starters from our 2016 championship team.”
Since their reboot in 2013, the Cosmos played four seasons at James M. Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. But last year the school said the Cosmos would not be back for 2017.
“During the Cosmos’ inaugural season in 1971, the team played at Yankee Stadium,” Commisso said. “With our move to MCU Park in Brooklyn, we are not only able to offer fans easy access to a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, but we are also reconnecting the club to its original New York City roots. Adding the excitement of Cosmos’ games to Coney Island’s already vibrant atmosphere will be a win-win for our club and soccer enthusiasts throughout the metropolitan area.”
Located near Coney Island’s famed boardwalk, MCU Park is also home to the Brooklyn Cyclones, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the New York Mets. The stadium sits under the majestic Parachute Jump, and is surrounded by public beaches, amusement park attractions, restaurants and bars. This unique locale features ample parking, and is served by the D, F, N and Q subway trains and numerous bus routes from the adjacent Coney Island – Stillwell Avenue Station.
“We are thrilled to showcase MCU Park as a multi-purpose venue and welcome the Cosmos, a storied franchise in American soccer history,” Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon said. “All New York area soccer fans will enjoy watching the Cosmos make their mark in Brooklyn.”
Added NYC mayor Bill de Blasio. “With the Cosmos coming to Brooklyn, we’re adding a world class franchise to New York City’s proud soccer tradition. We couldn’t be more proud to welcome the New York Cosmos to the five boroughs.”
