Etihad Park: NYCFC's New Home in Queens!

<img src="https://assets3.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/11/21/75b7e4e1-8e44-4069-a445-adbb9653e132/thumbnail/620x413/23f4bf691029bfb85f9e44c4e7b492db/ap24325557417919.jpg?v=6056e68389c16974d8d95eeea60b7a3a" alt="Artist's rendering of Etihad Park" width="620" height="413">

New York City FC's new 25,000-seat stadium, opening in 2027 across from Citi Field, will be called Etihad Park! This follows a 20-year agreement with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates. The $780 million venue is part of a larger Willets Point redevelopment project including housing, a school, and retail.

Funding and Partnerships

NYCFC president Brad Sims confirmed that all revenue from the naming rights deal will go directly to the MLS team, not its parent company (City Football Group). Etihad has been NYCFC's shirt sponsor since 2014 and has collaborated on community initiatives. Sims emphasized that this is a "100% New York City FC deal" and Etihad was their top choice for the naming rights.

<img src="https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/11/21/e9d73220-ee9c-4ec3-9d7d-1b6f3853f15e/thumbnail/620x413/b8b30cc7a378e5e99f56737621704abd/ap24325557419057.jpg?v=6056e68389c16974d8d95eeea60b7a3a" alt="Another artist's rendering of Etihad Park" width="620" height="413">

Home Games and Scheduling

NYCFC has played home games at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field due to scheduling conflicts. The new stadium will help alleviate these issues, particularly if MLS adopts an August-to-May schedule, which aligns with most European leagues. There will be required buffer times between NYCFC and Mets games at the stadium.

2026 World Cup

MLS season ticket holders will have priority access to hospitality tickets for the 2026 World Cup games.

This exciting development is poised to transform Willets Point into a vibrant and dynamic new neighborhood.