Originally published in the Sports Business Journal.
QBFC will construct and operate a 100% privately-financed 7,500-seat modular stadium on the campus of York College
USL Championship expansion club Queensboro FC will make York College its location for home matches and practices, beginning with their inaugural ‘22 season. Led by team co-Owner Jonathan Krane, who is Founder & CEO of N.Y.-based asset management firm KraneShares, QBFC will construct and operate a 100% privately-financed 7,500-seat modular stadium on the campus of York College, which is part of The City University of N.Y. system. Krane couldn’t provide specific details to SBJ on what the project costs but said “we’re going to be investing in soccer in Queens in New York City really consistent with major global soccer clubs going forward.” Former NYCFC player David Villa is also co-Owner of QBFC. Krane added, “Queens is, I think, one of the best markets in the U.S. You have 2.4 million people, and a big portion of that 2.4 million people are soccer fans. It’s called the world’s borough for a reason. You have 200 countries represented. Soccer is the number one sport, so just by definition, with that diversity of people from a lot of different countries, soccer is by far the number one sport in Queens. We believe in it, and we think there’s been a void in the market.”
BUILDING A HOME: Architecture and design firm Populous is leading the new venue project, which will feature a turf pitch. Construction will begin this summer and is slated for completion before QBFC’s first match in ‘22, according to Krane. The new venue will also serve as the location for York College’s commencement and CUNY tournament games, among other functions. L.A.-based sponsorship and sales agency IPG360, led by Founder & CEO Jeff Marks, is assisting QBFC for commercial purposes, including selling stadium naming rights (10-year term), founding-level sponsorships (five-year term) and the team’s jersey kit (four-year term).
Original Article:
https://www.queensborofc.com/news_article/show/1159688
