NYFC delay move to new Eithad Park stadium until Summer 2027 

February 20 – New York City FC’s long-awaited move into Etihad Park will now come with a little more patience.

The club confirmed that the opening of Etihad Park has been pushed back by half a season and will now coincide with the start of Major League Soccer’s new 2027–28 calendar.

The first competitive match at the venue is scheduled for the summer of 2027, positioning the club with the league’s shift to a revised competition format and a first alignment with the world’s football calendar.

Before that marriage, MLS will stage a transition season from February to May 2027. The abbreviated campaign will feature a 14-game regular season, followed by playoffs and MLS Cup. During that period, NYCFC will continue to play home matches at their current temporary homes, Yankee Stadium and Citi Field.

“We cannot wait to welcome our fans for the first-ever New York City FC match at Etihad Park,” said CEO Brad Sims. “Construction is progressing incredibly well, and we remain on schedule. With Major League Soccer transitioning to a new competition calendar, we believe the right moment to open Etihad Park is at the start of the 2027–28 season — aligning our new home with the beginning of a new era for both our league and our Club.”

Opening the stadium alongside a full season, rather than midway through a transitional year, allows NYCFC to draw a clear line between past and future.

“Opening alongside a full season ensures our fans can experience Etihad Park from day one, rather than in the middle of a transition year,” Sims said. “This approach allows us to properly celebrate our final matches at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, prepare thoughtfully for the move, and build toward a definitive and historic opening that reflects what this moment means for us and our city.”

In the lead-up to the 2027–28 season, the club plans to host a series of test events at Etihad Park to ensure everything is ready for opening day.

“We are incredibly grateful for our fans’ continued support and look forward to beginning this next chapter together at Etihad Park,” Sims added.

As outlined during the ‘Your First Match to Etihad Park’ renewal period last April, NYCFC Members will automatically receive access to transition-season matches at a flat rate consistent with their 2026 membership.

Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1771583934labto1771583934ofdlr1771583934owedi1771583934sni@r1771583934etsbe1771583934w.kci1771583934n1771583934