Etihad Park: A Soccer‑Specific Vision for Queens
Gotham FC, the two‑time National Women’s Soccer League champions, announced that it will relocate to Etihad Park in 2028. The 25,000‑seat stadium, currently under construction in Queens, will sit adjacent to Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets, and will also serve as the venue for Major League Soccer’s NYCFC.
The move is expected to lift average attendance for the defending champions, who have been looking to capitalize on the recent signing of Australia’s Sam Kerr, the 2023 Ballon d’Or runner‑up. Club officials say the new setting will provide a more intimate fan experience and modern amenities that could attract larger crowds.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani highlighted the stadium’s significance, describing it as a “game‑changer” for the city’s sports scene. He noted that New York has been expanding its sports footprint, having recently hosted a World Cup final and exploring a joint Winter Olympics bid with Lake Placid for 2042.
The development comes alongside other large‑scale projects in the borough, including an $800 million renovation of the U.S. Open tennis grounds in Flushing. City planners say the convergence of these investments signals a renewed focus on delivering world‑class facilities for both athletes and spectators.