Etihad Park: New Name for New York City FC’s Soccer Stadium in Queens.

Roger Hampel

Etihad Park New York City FC

Photo Credit: New York City FC

New York City Football Club (NYCFC) has officially announced that its new soccer-specific stadium in Willets Point, Queens, will be called Etihad Park. This comes as part of a 20-year naming rights agreement with Etihad Airways, a long-time partner of the club.

The stadium, set to be the first of its kind in New York City, reflects New York City FC’s growing presence in the city’s sports landscape. Etihad Airways, the airline that has supported New York City FC since the team’s founding in 2014, continues to strengthen its partnership with the club through this major announcement.

Details of the Agreement Etihad Park New York City FC

• - The naming rights deal spans two decades, making Etihad Airways a permanent part of NYCFC’s stadium identity.

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• - The stadium is located in Willets Point, Queens, and is expected to become a key venue for soccer and other events in New York.

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NYCFC CEO Brad Sims described Etihad Park as a vital step for the club, emphasizing its long-standing relationship with Etihad Airways, which has been a sponsor since NYCFC’s early days.

Etihad’s Community Role

Etihad Airways has played a significant part in NYCFC’s community initiatives, including the New York City Soccer Initiative (NYCSI). This program, launched in 2016, has funded the construction of 50 mini-soccer pitches across New York City, with an additional 26 planned before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These pitches are open to the public and are part of an effort to promote soccer at the grassroots level.

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, highlighted the airline’s commitment to supporting soccer and fostering community connections in New York through initiatives like these.

About the Stadium

Etihad Park aims to become more than just a soccer venue. Plans include hosting concerts, festivals, and community activities, making it a multi-purpose destination for New Yorkers. The design takes inspiration from the city’s green spaces, aiming to create a welcoming environment for both sports fans and local residents.