NEW YORK — New York City FC has announced that its forthcoming stadium, set to open in 2027 near Citi Field, will be named Etihad Park, thanks to a 20-year partnership agreement with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates. The venue will boast a capacity of 25,000 seats and is part of a significant investment totaling $780 million.
The City Football Group, which owns NYCFC, is also the parent company of Manchester City in England. Notably, Manchester City’s home ground has been known as Etihad Stadium since July 2011. The president of NYCFC, Brad Sims, confirmed that revenues generated from this naming rights deal will be allocated to the MLS team itself, rather than its parent company or the English club that is currently under scrutiny by the Premier League for alleged financial misconduct.
Etihad Airways has been a long-time partner of NYCFC, having served as the team’s shirt sponsor since 2014 and as Manchester City’s sponsor since the 2009-10 season following the Abu Dhabi United Group’s acquisition of the Premier League club. Sims emphasized that this stadium deal reflects a strong commitment to NYCFC, saying, “It’s a 100% New York City FC deal,” and pointing out the airline’s history as a foundational partner of the club.
The partnership extends beyond financial interests; Etihad and NYCFC have worked together on various community initiatives, showcasing a mutual commitment to social responsibility. Sims noted that the airline has shown continued interest in the new stadium, recognizing the strategic significance of the New York market for its business goals.
Since its inception in 2015, NYCFC has primarily hosted its matches at Yankee Stadium, home of the MLB team that also has a stake in the soccer club. However, scheduling complications have necessitated play at Citi Field, the home of the rival New York Red Bulls, as well as occasional matches at Rentschler Field in Connecticut. The upcoming Eastern Conference semifinal will take place at Citi Field due to a scheduling conflict at Yankee Stadium involving a college football game.
NYCFC revealed the stadium site in 2022, and the New York City Council ratified it in April as part of a larger redevelopment effort at Willets Point. This redevelopment will incorporate not only the soccer venue but also 2,500 residential units, a new public school, as well as hotel and retail establishments. With pre-construction activities already underway, Sims indicates that groundbreaking could happen before the year ends, coupled with ongoing lease negotiations with the city.
The owner of the Mets, Steve Cohen, is also looking to acquire a gaming license to establish a casino in proximity to Citi Field. Sims commented on the benefits of creating a vibrant and multifaceted environment in Willets Point, where activities merge work and leisure.
NYCFC has stipulated time buffers for coordinating events when games are scheduled at Citi Field and the surrounding venues. If NYCFC plays first, there must be a six-hour gap before any Mets game, while a seven-hour interval is required if the Mets play first. Similar arrangements exist for events related to the U.S. Open Tennis Championships.
The anticipated new stadium also positions NYCFC favorably should Major League Soccer transition to a schedule more akin to that of European leagues, running from August to May instead of the current February to December timeline. Sims acknowledged the potential advantages while recognizing that cold-weather cities may face challenges in such scenarios. He believes that excitement surrounding the new stadium will help mitigate any concerns during the initial years.
In preparation for the 2026 World Cup, MLS season ticket holders will receive priority access to hospitality tickets. Sims mentioned that season members, along with corporate partners, will have exclusive presale opportunities for suites and club seats across all venues hosting World Cup matches. This benefit, alongside other incentives, aims to enhance the experience for NYCFC’s loyal fan base and business associates as marketing efforts for 2025 memberships begin.