[NYguy]

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/66/un...s&ICID=HP_BN_1

New York Cosmos explain reasoning behind ambitious stadium project
Cosmos part-owner Seamus O’Brien sat down with Goal.com to explain the team's ambitions behind its $400 million stadium project in Belmont Park.






Jan 17, 2013
By Alex Labidou

The team's ownership plans on fully financing the stadium aspect of the project, which will be located in in Belmont Park, N.Y., a figure that is expected to land a bit over $200 million for the expected 25,000 seat arena. To put this in context, Red Bull Arena - the home to Major League Soccer's franchise in the New York area - cost around the same.

As exciting as these developments are, a very real question remains for the team that will play in the North American Soccer League next season. Is it a bit overambitious to invest that much into a club that isn't guaranteed entry into MLS? Cosmos' part-owner Seamus O’Brien doesn't believe so.

"This team is coming back 30 years after it last kicked a ball," O'Brien told Goal.com. "We have an unbelievable legacy and history. But history doesn't build you business." He continued to explain: "You have to start with very strong foundations as a business, as a team and in the community that you want to operate in."

For O'Brien and the Cosmos, the important objective is to create a financially stable operation, which is pivotal in light of the team's history. When the Cosmos initially relaunched their brand in 2010, part of the early complications included the fact that they were unable to guarantee funding for a soccer-specific stadium. Sites all over New York City were mentioned as possible stadium locations but there was never a concrete plan. Under new management, the team has finally solved that issue.

While O'Brien hints that the Cosmos would like to play in MLS, he believes that the club and its top-class facilities will attract fans regardless of which league it plays in. He also adds that the NASL has ambitious owners, which will likely see the league improve.

O'Brien defends the Cosmos' choice of location. He points to the fact that the team is joining an effort to renovate and create a major entertainment hub in the Belmont area. He claims that many of the major issues that face stadium development - such as transportation and infrastructure - are not an issue with the new location. He also said there were plenty of incentives provided by the state in developing in that area. In what could be interpreted as a slight knock towards MLS's current requirements, O'Brien states that the Cosmos' plan is convenient and economically viable. "We're responding to a request [by New York state and the Belmont area] rather than imposing what we want on something else," he said.

It's also important to remember that the Cosmos proposal isn't just an arena proposal. It can be looked at as an arena with a shopping center, or a shopping center with an arena. City Field will also have a shopping center, though much larger.