"Nassau County - Long Island, New York"

Maragos: Nassau County Economy Scores with Return of Professional Soccer & Pele

Nassau County businesses will see up to $19 million in economic activity

Mineola, NY - On Saturday August 3, the New York Cosmos, a revival of the professional soccer organization that played during the 1970’s and 80’s, will bring pro soccer back to Nassau County by opening their North American Soccer League season at Hofstra University’s 15,000-seat Stadium. The “new” Cosmos features iconic “Ambassadors of Soccer” in their front office such as Pele, Carlos Alberto and Nassau’s Shep Messing. The team itself will be captained by Mineola’s own soccer prodigy Carlos Mendes, who played professionally in Major League Soccer from 2005-2012, and former Spain national team midfielder Marcos Senna.

Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos conducted an analysis which shows that Cosmos home games will conservatively generate approximately $9.5 million in local economic activity if just 50% attendance is achieved and up to $19 million should 100% attendance capacity be achieved. The County is estimated to earn approximately $110,000 to $225,000 in sales tax during the season depending on attendance.

Maragos: Nassau County Economy Scores with Return of Professional Soccer & Pele

“We welcome the Cosmos to Nassau County,” Comptroller Maragos said. “The Cosmos return will give not only our local economy a boost but also a huge boost to the sport’s popularity amongst our youth who can now aspire to professional play.”