NYCFC to officially open 2027 season in Queens
/
New York City Football Club officially announced their intention to open their 2027 season in their new Queens stadium, Etihad Park. Photo via NYCFC
By Ryan Schwach
Queens’ soon-to-be hometown soccer team, New York City Football Club, will play their first match at Etihad Park in summer 2027, the team announced this week.
NYCFC outlined their schedule for their first full season in the World’s Borough at Etihad Park, the city’s first soccer-specific stadium, which is currently under construction.
“We cannot wait to welcome our fans for the first-ever New York City FC match at Etihad Park,” said NYCFC CEO Brad Sims. “Construction is progressing incredibly well, and we remain on schedule.”
NYCFC’s inaugural season in Willets Point will coincide with Major League Soccer’s new season schedule, which will start in the summer rather than winter, to align with other international leagues.
“With Major League Soccer transitioning to a new competition calendar, we believe the right moment to open Etihad Park is at the start of the 2027-28 season — aligning our new home with the beginning of a new era for both our league and our club,” added Sims. “Opening alongside a full season ensures our fans can experience Etihad Park from day one, rather than in the middle of a transition year. This approach allows us to properly celebrate our final matches at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, prepare thoughtfully for the move, and build toward a definitive and historic opening that reflects what this moment means for us and our city.”
The team also said that they will be holding “test events” in the lead up to Etihad’s ultimate opening for the 2027 season.
“We are incredibly grateful for our fans’ continued support and look forward to beginning this next chapter together at Etihad Park,” said Sims.
The city broke ground on New York City Football Club’s future stadium in Willets Point in December 2024, a little more than two years after then-Mayor Eric Adams first announced that the soccer club would one day build its future home in Queens.
Once finished, the $780 million Etihad Park will seat 25,000 soccer fans and will be the first fully electric professional sports stadium in New York City.
MLS will play a “transition” season in early 2027. NYCFC will play those home games at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, where the squad has played since its first season in 2015.
The 2026 MLS season will stick to the normal calendar, and will begin this Sunday against Los Angeles Football Club in California.
NYCFC finished 5th in the Eastern Conference in 2025, but lost in the conference finals to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.
2026 will be the second full season for head coach Pascal Jansen, who will lead a squad that includes team legend Maxi Moralez on a new contract, and stars Nico Fernández Mercau, Thiago Martins and United States Men’s National Team goalkeeper Matt Freese.
