New York City FC now knows when it will be moving into its new stadium in Queens.
The club will take the pitch at their new $780 million digs next to Citi Field in the summer of 2027, opting to begin play at Etihad Park for the start of the 2027-28 season rather than rushing to move in during the 14-game transition season running from February 2027 to May 2027.
The MLS calendar shift, which changes the league’s spring-to-fall schedule to a summer-to-spring model more in line with the top European leagues, played a factor into the decision.
NYCFC will play home matches for the 14-game transition season at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field.
“We cannot wait to welcome our fans for the first-ever New York City FC match at Etihad Park,” New York City FC CEO Brad Sims said in a statement. “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 alongside a full season ensures our fans can experience Etihad Park from day one, rather than in the middle of a transition year.”
Sims had previously indicated in a conversation with The Post earlier this month that the summer 2027 opening had been a possibility.
The club is targeting late March or early April for the topping off of the stadium, which is a construction milestone that marks the placement of the final and highest beam of the project.
Prior to the opening of the venue, the club plans to host test events with the extra time it has.
“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,” Sims said as part of his statement.
Etihad Park will be the first soccer-specific stadium in the five boroughs and the venue is part of a broader development plan taking place at Willets Point, near the Mets ballpark.
The stadium will seat 25,000 fans and has already been tapped to host matches during the soccer tournament at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.