Gotham FC, the National Women’s Soccer League club that has become synonymous with ambitious growth, announced that it will begin playing its home matches at Etihad Park in Queens beginning in 2028.
The $780 million, 25,000‑seat arena, primarily built for New York City FC, is slated to open in the spring of 2027, coinciding with the league’s shift to a fall‑to‑spring schedule.
The move reflects a deepening partnership between Gotham and the city, a relationship that was underscored this season when the club dropped the “NJ/NY” moniker and incorporated the New York flag’s colors into its third kit.
For years the team has called Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, its base, a venue roughly 32 miles west of the new ground, and the relocation will bring the club closer to its fan base across the five boroughs.
Beyond the stadium, Gotham has broken ground on a training complex in Whippany, New Jersey, a facility that will complement the new venue and provide a dedicated space for player development.
The new stadium sits adjacent to Citi Field and will be woven into a transit‑friendly neighborhood, promising easier access for supporters arriving by subway, bus or commuter rail.
Club officials describe the venue as the “Cathedral of Soccer” in New York City, a nod to both its architectural ambition and the cultural significance of the project that has taken more than a decade to realize.
A New Era for Gotham FC
The transition also marks a milestone in the club’s on‑field achievements, which include a first continental title and two NWSL championships in the past three seasons, underscoring the momentum behind the organization.
Strategic Implications
By sharing a state‑of‑the‑art facility with NYCFC, Gotham hopes to leverage shared resources, enhance commercial prospects, and solidify its position within the broader soccer ecosystem of the metropolitan area.
The club’s leadership, including figures such as Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, Yael Averbuch West, Marty Edelman and Brad Sims, have emphasized that the move is about more than infrastructure; it is about embedding the team deeper into the city’s sporting narrative.