One of the NWSL’s best rivalries is taking over Citi Field for one night this summer.
Gotham FC are hosting Trinity Rodman and the Washington Spirit on July 15 for “The Queens Classic” at Citi Field, the club announced Tuesday.
It’s not a coincidence that the marquee match — featuring four World Cup winners and Olympic gold medalists — will be played in a stadium that holds nearly 42,000 fans just four days before the men’s FIFA World Cup takes over MetLife Stadium.
NWSL leaders have spoken at length about trying to use the World Cup buzz to garner momentum for the women’s league.
“This summer will be transformational for soccer in our region, and we’re really excited to put women’s sports and our world-class athletes at Gotham FC front and center when a global spotlight is on New York,” Gotham chief business officer Ryan Dillon said in a statement. “It will be a history-making summer of soccer, and this event ensures that we are a part of that.”
NWSL chief operating officer Sarah Jones Simmer said the match at Citi Field will be a “powerful moment for the NWSL and for women’s soccer in the New York area.
“Bringing the reigning NWSL champions Gotham FC together with the Washington Spirit for a championship rematch on such an iconic stage is a testament to the momentum behind our league and the global attention on the sport this summer,” Jones Simmer said.
It’ll be the first professional women’s sporting event at Citi Field, the home of the Mets and a part-time home for MLS club New York City FC, which is set to open a nearby stadium in 2027.
The rivalry between Gotham and the Spirit has been brewing over the past few seasons. The Spirit ruined Gotham’s chances at repeating as NWSL champions in the 2024 semifinals.
Gotham got their postseason redemption against Washington about four months ago when Rose Lavelle booted a game-winning goal in the 80th minute to crush Washington’s spirits and clinch Gotham’s second NWSL title in three years.
It seems fitting that a big-time matchup will be played at a venue fit for the queens.
There had been speculation that the Gotham-Spirit game would be at a different venue because the location was listed as “TBD” on the clubs’ schedules. Citi Field is the home for both the Mets and MLS club New York City FC.
Tickets go on sale to the general public March 25.