NYC’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium has an official name – Etihad Park

NYCFC’s – a Major League Soccer (MLS) team – $780 million, 25,000-seat venue expected to open across from Citi Field in 2027 has got an official name – Etihad Park – as part of a 20-year agreement involving the national airline of the UAE.

NYCFC President Brad Sims highlighted that the revenue from the landmark deal shall go to the MLS team and not the parent company ‘City Football Group’ or English club ‘Manchester City’ – already under investigation by the Premier League for alleged violations.

Sims said: “It is a 100% NYCFC deal.” Etihad has been the club’s premiere, principal and founding partner since Day 1, he highlighted, noting that the Emirati airline had been easily kind of the No. 1 focus that they have had all along.

Etihad Park: More than just a stadium, it’s a neighborhood

Since taking the field in 2015, NYCFC has played home games primarily at Yankee Stadium, home of the Major League Baseball team that is a minority investor in the football club. But because of schedule conflicts, NYCFC has played some matches at Citi Field.

NYCFC announced the site in 2022. The NYC Council approved the soccer stadium earlier this year as part of a redevelopment project that includes 2,500 housing units, a public school, hotel and retail stores, besides other amenities.

This is going to be more than just a soccer stadium. Construction is happening for an entire neighbourhood there. Keep an eye out as the Gulf Independent team brings you more such interesting highlights, majorly concerning the GCC region.