The longstanding partnership between New York Metropolis FC and Etihad Airways took one other vital leap.
The MLS aspect introduced that the airliner will take the naming rights of its future soccer-specific stadium in Queens in a 20-year settlement. Building of the $780 million venue, now known as Etihad Park, is slated to start by the top of the yr. The membership plans to open the 25,000-seat stadium forward of the 2027 MLS season.
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“For over a decade, we’ve been investing in New York with a imaginative and prescient of constructing the town into one of many soccer capitals of the world,” Brad Sims, the crew’s CEO, mentioned in a press release. “Etihad Airways has been alongside us each step of the way in which and we’re thrilled to be making this announcement with them.”
Etihad Airways is a founding companion of the franchise, which was formally launched in 2013 as the town’s crew. (MLS’ founding franchise within the area, the New York Crimson Bulls—nee, NY/NJ MetroStars—have at all times performed in New Jersey.) The airline has been NYCFC’s package sponsor all through its complete existence, and the companions have funded varied soccer-related neighborhood initiatives within the 5 boroughs.
NYCFC is co-owned by Metropolis Soccer Group, homeowners of a number of golf equipment worldwide together with English Premier League powerhouse Manchester Metropolis, whose residence venue is named Etihad Stadium.
The New York settlement was brokered between the 2 companions with out an out of doors company. Nonetheless, NYCFC has been working with Klutch Sports activities Group for and Legends for .
Till 2024, the stadium for NYCFC because it spoke with native officers about growing the venue in varied areas all through the town. The membership has performed most of its residence video games at Yankee Stadium and has break up its schedule between The Bronx and the Mets’ Citi Area in Queens in recent times. The membership has additionally performed “residence” video games in New Jersey, Connecticut and Los Angeles.
Etihad Park was to be constructed subsequent door to Citi Area this previous April because the centerpiece for a long-awaited redevelopment of Willets Level. The economic neighborhood has been residence to the Mets and USTA Billie Jean King Nationwide Tennis Middle (web site of the U.S. Open) for many years however developed a infamous repute for undeveloped heaps and “chop retailers.” A 650-seat public faculty, a lodge and round 2,500 models of reasonably priced housing are additionally deliberate to be constructed as a part of the stadium district.
NYCFC ranks fifth in Sportico’s at $840 million. The membership took in $68 million in income in 2023 whereas splitting video games between its major residence at Yankee Stadium and Citi Area. On Saturday, NYCFC will host the Crimson Bulls at Citi Area, the primary time the regional rivals have confronted one another within the league’s playoffs.
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