Gotham FC’s Move to New York City
Gotham FC is relocating from New Jersey to Queens, with plans to host home games at New York City FC’s upcoming Etihad Park starting in 2028. This announcement came during an event at City Hall featuring Mayor Zoran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul.
This transition isn’t just about moving to a new venue; for the team’s management, it signifies a broader vision. “Our aim is to be among the world’s best teams,” stated Gotham owner Carolyn Tisch Blodgett. “To achieve that, we need to play in top-notch facilities. I believe this is the right step to elevate the team.”
Etihad Park, located near Citi Field in Willets Point, will feature around 25,000 seats and is a $1 billion investment, slated to open in 2027. Mayor Mamdani emphasized that the stadium aligns with Gotham FC’s high standards.
The team has inked a five-year deal that includes an option to extend for up to 15 years, according to a representative from Gotham.
Since 2021, Gotham FC has played its home games at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, remaining there until the 2027 season concludes.
At Etihad Park, Gotham will enjoy new amenities, including its own locker room for the first time. The digital signage throughout the stadium is designed to enhance the game-day atmosphere, making it feel distinctly like Gotham’s home turf, as noted by Tisch Blodgett. Additionally, fans can expect improved food and beverage options.
The President of Soccer Operations, Yael Apfelbusch-West, expressed excitement about the potential for creating an energetic game-day environment, emphasizing the advantage of a vibrant crowd.
In 2025, Gotham averaged 8,892 attendees, ranking eighth in the NWSL, while this season’s current average stands at 8,148, placing them twelfth. However, attendance is anticipated to grow with the warmer weather and the Queen’s Classic event, expected to attract nearly 40,000 fans on July 15.
“We want our games to be packed every week—women’s sports deserve that,” Tisch Blodgett asserted.
A highlight from the announcement was the expected increase in accessibility. The new location is estimated to bring in an additional 3 million people within a manageable 75-minute commute via public transit. Furthermore, data indicates that travel times for 60% of Gotham’s current season ticket holders may not increase.
Despite the optimism, some concerns exist. People connected to the team’s original home in Harrison might find the trek to Queens expensive and inconvenient.
Moreover, Gotham recently unveiled plans for a new training facility in Whippany, New Jersey. “New Jersey is where our story began. We’ve been reflecting on how to keep the team accessible,” Tisch Blodgett said. “We genuinely hope many fans will support us.”
As for scheduling, Major League Soccer is expected to adopt a late summer/spring format starting in the 2027-28 season, which should ease any conflicts between NYCFC and Gotham’s game calendars. The collaboration, which has been developing over several years, officially kicked off with the recent announcement, according to NYCFC CEO Brad Sims. “They were keen on our project from the beginning, and we found their organization appealing as well,” he mentioned.
