New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani took the opportunity of the USMNT’s recent defeat to Belgium to draw attention to a new community initiative.
The city’s NYC Open Play program offers free, overnight pickup soccer across all five boroughs, running nightly through July 18.
Launched on June 12 as part of the city’s World Cup festivities, the program welcomes adults 18 and older to compete on small‑sided pitches equipped with goals, cones and balls at sites ranging from Chelsea Waterside in Manhattan to Fairview Park on Staten Island.
Partnerships Power the Night Games
NYC Footy, NYC Parks, the Hudson River Park Trust and New York City FC have joined forces to organize teams, run youth clinics, provide giveaways and ensure security throughout the evening.
Games typically start around 10:30 p.m. and can extend into the early morning, with staff on hand to keep the fields safe and well‑maintained.
In addition to the soccer program, Mayor Mamdani announced that NJ/NY Gotham FC will move to Etihad Park in 2028, creating the first dedicated soccer stadium in any of the five boroughs and sharing the venue with New York City FC.
The stadium will serve as a permanent hub for the sport, complementing the temporary night‑time leagues and reinforcing the city’s commitment to expanding soccer infrastructure.