Second-division NY Cosmos release plans for $400 million stadium complex

The New York Cosmos have announced aprivately-funded plan for a new stadium complex on Long Island that will cost $400 million. That might seem a bit extravagant for a club that hasn't even begun their first season in the second-division NASL yet and that's because it is. But in addition to the 25,000-seat "world class" stadium near the home of the final leg of thoroughbred racing's triple crown at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, the proposed complex also promises a row of nine restaurants, 250,000 square feet of retail space and a 175-room hotel.

The plan must be approved by the Empire State Development Corporation and has probably annoyed MLS a bit as theyrecentlypresented plans for a $300 million stadium in Queens to house the league's future addition of a second New York club, which the Cosmos hope to be. You will be happy to know that Pele, the Cosmos honorary president, supports the Elmont Town Crossing plan, though.

While the private funding is certainly nice, stadium plans come and go without ever becoming more than pretty artist's renderings on a new microsite. So this plan probably shouldn't be taken too seriously just yet. That said, here are some more of those lovely pictures...