The New York Mets baseball team has unveiled plans for a new US$715m (£410m, €590m) stadium in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York, to replace their current home, the famous Shea Stadium.

The 1.26 million sq ft (117,000sq m), 45,000-seat baseball-only ground will open at the start of the 2009 season.

The Mets will be investing US$550m (£315m, €454m), the city will contribute US$90m (£52m, €74m), and the state will contribute US$75m (£43m, €62m) in order to fund infrastructure costs related to the project.

Fred Wilpon, CEO of the New York Mets, said: “The new Mets ballpark will become a destination attraction for fans in Queens, residents of the tri-state area, and those visiting New York. It will be one of the finest sports facilities in the world.”