Gotham FC Set to Call Etihad Park Home

Gotham FC Moving to Queens in 2028

The 2023 NWSL champion Gotham FC will make Etihad Park in Queens its permanent home beginning with the 2028 season. The announcement was made by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and club officials during a news conference in the city. The venue will become the first soccer‑specific stadium built in New York City, ending the club’s split schedule between New Jersey and New York. Gotham FC currently trains in Whippany, NJ, and plays home matches at Red Bull Arena in nearby Harrison.

New Queens Venue to Host MLS and NWSL

Etihad Park, a 25,000‑seat arena being constructed next to Citi Field, is scheduled to open in spring 2027. New York City FC will start playing its MLS home games there at the launch of the 2027 season, with Gotham FC following suit for the 2028 NWSL campaign. The facility will contain dedicated spaces for the NWSL side, including its own locker room and retail area. In addition, the stadium is slated to host major international tournaments, such as the men’s and women’s soccer events at the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Official Reactions

“New York State is home to some of the world’s greatest sports teams, and we couldn’t be more excited to officially add the reigning NWSL Champions, Gotham FC, to our ranks,” Governor Hochul said. Mayor Mamdani praised the project as a “significant step for the city’s growing soccer ecosystem,” emphasizing community and economic benefits. The officials highlighted the stadium’s role in uniting professional clubs and providing a state‑of‑the‑art training environment. Their remarks underscored the broader impact on youth participation and local fan engagement.

What It Means Going Forward

The dual‑use design of Etihad Park positions New York as a hub for both men’s and women’s professional soccer, offering shared facilities and programming. Hosting Olympic soccer competitions will give fans early access to elite international play and boost the venue’s reputation. The move also consolidates Gotham FC’s operations after years of splitting time between New Jersey venues. Overall, the project is expected to stimulate economic development in Queens and strengthen the region’s sports identity.