The highly anticipated NYCFC stadium, set to open next to Citi Field in Queens in 2027, will officially be called Etihad Park. The naming rights are part of a 20-year agreement with Etihad Airways, a long-time sponsor of the team.
This new venue will redefine the sports and entertainment experience in New York City. It will combine cutting-edge design with a prime location in the heart of Queens.
Why the name Etihad Park?
Etihad Airways has been a primary sponsor of NYCFC since the team’s inception in 2014. Naming the stadium after the airline further strengthens the relationship between the two brands. The name also connects NYCFC to its parent company, City Football Group.
They own the popular soccer team Manchester City and operate Etihad Stadium in England. However, the revenue from this deal will go directly to NYCFC, reinforcing its identity as a local team.
What makes the new NYCFC stadium a game-changer?
The $780 million, 25,000-seat stadium is more than just a home for New York City Football Club. Located in Willets Point, the stadium is part of a broader redevelopment project. This includes affordable housing, a new public school, retail spaces, and a hotel.
For NYCFC fans, this stadium marks the end of years of playing at temporary venues like Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. Etihad Park will bring an exclusive soccer experience to New York City. It is designed to meet MLS standards while also catering to a variety of other events.
Its strategic location next to Citi Field and close to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center places it at the center of one of NYC’s busiest sports hubs.
How will the NYCFC stadium affect Queens?
The addition of Etihad Park will boost the economy in Queens, creating jobs and attracting visitors to the area. Its proximity to Citi Field and the Mets’ planned casino project will transform Willets Point into a bustling live-work-play neighborhood.