Gotham FC formally announced plans to move into the 25,000-seat Etihad Park in 2028 on Tuesday.
The Willets Point, Queens, soccer-specific stadium owned by New York City FC is expected to be completed before the 2027–28 Major League Soccer season.
Gotham FC has played home games at Sports Illustrated Stadium since 2019, with the club moving into the Harrison, New Jersey venue on a full-time basis in 2020.
Etihad Park will allow Gotham to have its own locker room and club merchandise positions in the New York City FC team store. The stadium will also feature LED signage and digital videoboards with Gotham branding.
Gotham stars Tierna Davidson, Mandy Freeman and Rose Lavelle shared their excitement about the move to the Five Boroughs.
Davidson: ‘We Have Something Special at Gotham FC’
“Our move to New York City is a statement by our club leadership that they know we have something special at Gotham FC, and they are committed to ensuring we have the resources and environments to support our continued success,” Davidson said. “That means everything to the players at this club, and we are looking forward to playing in a world-class stadium and sharing this next chapter with our supporters.”
Mandy Freeman Reflects on Gotham FC’s Journey
Freeman began her career with the franchise when it was known as Sky Blue FC in 2017. The veteran defender recently celebrated 10 years at the club, and she surpassed 10,000 minutes played across all NWSL competitions.
“Being a part of this club’s journey for more than a decade, I know how much this moment means,” Freeman explained. “So many people have poured everything into helping Gotham FC get here, from the players and staff to the supporters who believed in us long before the championships and the big moments. To know where we started and see where we are going now is really special. This move reflects what this club has become, and I’m most excited for everyone who has been with us every step of the way to experience it with us.”
Next Wednesday, The Queens Classic at Citi Field will offer Gotham supporters an opportunity to see the club’s new home in progress when the Bats face the Washington Spirit in a rematch of last season’s NWSL Championship Game.
Rose Lavelle Looks Forward To Gotham FC’s Future
Lavelle is embracing the club’s future, which includes a projected summer 2027 opening of the club’s first dedicated training facility in Whippany, N.J. and the future move to Etihad Park.
“This club has such a special group of people and such amazing fans, and this move, along with the new training center, is a big step in our journey together,” Lavelle stated. “As a player, you want to play in world-class facilities that feel like home, and it’ll be really exciting to do that in New York City at Etihad Park.”
The Queens Classic is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on July 15.
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