Gotham FC has won the NWSL Championship twice in the past 3 years. They’re home to more US Women’s National Team players than any club on the planet — featuring stars like Rose Lavelle (2025 NWSL MVP) and 2025 Rookie of the Year Lilly Reale.
The team also includes senior international stars from Spain, England, Germany and more, making it a microcosm of global soccer, playing just 20 minutes from downtown NYC.
And here’s the thing — Gotham FC’s fanbase didn’t appear overnight. Die-hards have been showing up since the Sky Blue FC days, packing the bleachers at Rutgers before there was a professional-level stadium or a championship banner in sight. The NWSL’s explosion says it all: an expansion franchise cost $2M in 2020 — Columbus just paid $205M for one in 2026. That’s not a niche league anymore. That’s a movement. And Gotham has been at the center of it, winning big.
Why the May 9th game is full of firsts
Gotham is hosting Boston Legacy FC for the very first time on Saturday, May 9th at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Their brand-new theme night “Club and Country presented by Tylenol®” celebrates the national team legends who are shaping women’s soccer worldwide.
At 5 PM, before the match kicks off, you can head to the Hype House bar inside the stadium for Legends Live — an intimate conversation with two-time World Cup Champion Ali Krieger and five-time Olympic Gold Medalist Sue Bird. They’ll talk about what it really means to lead Team USA across sports and generations. This exclusive, one-time only event is free with a ticket to the game, just RSVP here!
Before the game starts, Gotham will be throwing a Fan Fest block party outside the stadium featuring live music, face painting, soccer games, & more! Plus, the first 5,000 fans through the gates get a free player-themed deck of cards, courtesy of Tylenol®! There’s a queen inside the deck — but you’ll have to show up to find out who.
To kick the match off, US Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes will be lighting the Gotham FC torch in the pre-game ceremonies.
How to get there
Getting there is a total breeze! If you’re skipping the traffic, just hop on the Newark-bound PATH at the World Trade Center/Oculus— From there, it’s a super quick 20-minute ride straight to Harrison.
Prefer to drive? They’ve got you covered with 5 different on-site lots ranging from just $15–$30, so finding a spot is zero stress.
This is the kind of Saturday that sticks with you after you leave the stadium. As we all get ready for an unforgettable summer of soccer, why not start with women’s soccer right here in your backyard? Get tickets to Gotham FC’s May 9th match now:
📍Location: Sports Illustrated Stadium, 600 Cape May Street, Harrison, NJ
📅Date and time: Saturday, May 9th at 6:30 PM🎟️Tickets: Sports Illustrated Tickets — Get 20% off using the code: SECRET (click “apply discount code” above your final price at checkout).
