- Klutch Sports predicts $100B in investments tied to SMDs in North America by 2040.
- Only 20% of pro sports teams play in stadiums within mixed-use districts, showing significant expansion potential.
- NYCFC’s $3B Etihad Park at Willets Point, set to open in 2027, is being touted as a leading model.
- SMDs can attract up to 5x more foot traffic than standalone sports venues and activate revenue year-round.
- Klutch’s report outlines new metrics for ROI, community impact, and strategies for public-private collaboration.
A New Playbook for Stadium-Centered Real Estate
Klutch Sports’ latest research highlights the untapped potential of sports-anchored mixed-use districts—real estate projects that combine stadiums with retail, residential, office, and entertainment uses. According to Boardroom, these hubs are fast catalysts for long-term economic development, community activation, and brand engagement.
Current Landscape
Despite their rising popularity, just 20% of professional teams in North America currently operate in mixed-use settings. That gap represents a major growth opportunity, especially as teams, cities, and developers seek ways to maximize stadium real estate and extend value beyond game days.
A $3B Case Study in Queens
New York City Football Club’s (NYCFC) $3B Willets Point project in Queens is emerging as the archetype. Anchored by the 25,000-seat Etihad Park stadium, the district will also include 2,500 affordable housing units, retail, a hotel, and public green space. With an opening scheduled for 2027, the project aims to blend sports, community infrastructure, and long-term economic uplift.
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More Than a Stadium
According to Klutch’s report, SMDs can generate up to five times the number of visitors compared to standalone stadiums and support year-round activity. This continuous engagement boosts ROI for developers, creates new sponsorship opportunities, and makes winning community and political support easier.
Why It Matters
As public scrutiny over stadium subsidies intensifies, the SMD model gives teams and cities a new blueprint that prioritizes mixed-use functionality, local investment, and long-term economic viability. It’s also a new canvas for brands, offering immersive marketing and partnership possibilities that extend far beyond the final whistle.
What’s Next
With $100B in projected investment, expect to see a wave of SMD proposals tied to new stadium deals and redevelopment plans. Klutch’s framework is designed to help stakeholders—from team owners to city officials—navigate the complexities of financing, entitlement, and activation in this rapidly evolving space.
