New York City FC announced today that they will make their Etihad Park debut during the 2027/28 Major League Soccer season. That's when MLS will shift to a summer-to-spring schedule, opening the season in July of 2027 and playing to conclusion in May of 2028.
That means the club will play home matches during the mini 2027 "transition" season at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, giving New York City fans one last taste of professional soccer played on baseball fields. The schedule for the 17-game 2027 transition season won't be announced until after the end of the 2026 season.
The club clarified that construction at Etihad Park remains "on schedule," and isn't the reason for the decision. Instead, according to CEO Brad Sims, the 2027/28 season is "the right moment to open Etihad Park" because it "ensures our fans can experience Etihad Park from day one, rather than in the middle of a transition year. 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."
You'll find the club's full statement below.
Photos of the Etihad Park construction site in January, 2026 | newyorkcityfc.com
That means there will be at least one more brief season of working around the local Major League Baseball schedules, and likely one more Hudson River Derby played at Citi Field or Yankee Stadium beyond the 2026 match scheduled for Friday, September 18 in The Bronx.
The club will hold "test events" at the new Queens stadium before NYCFC fully moves into the venue in July of 2027. While the events are yet to be announced, it could be that Etihad Park will host some form of soccer before the start of the 2027/28 MLS season.
[Olympic soccer coming to Etihad Park in 2028
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](https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/olympics-soccer-coming-to-etihad-park-in-queens-2028-la-olympics/)
[A peek inside the Etihad Park construction site in Queens
We take a look at the active construction site that Etihad Park is now, and compare it to what the stadium will look like when it opens in 2027. Has video, slideshow.
](https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/a-peek-inside-the-etihad-park-construction-site/)
A New Era Begins: New York City FC to Start 2027-28 Season at Etihad Park
Home matches during 2027 MLS transition season to be played at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field
QUEENS, NY – February 18, 2026 – New York City FC today announced the Club will play their first
match at Etihad Park, New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium, with the beginning of the 2027-28
MLS season in the summer of 2027. The Club will play their home matches for the 2027 MLS 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,” said
Brad Sims, New York City FC CEO. “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. 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 months leading up to the 2027-28 season, we will host test events 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.”
As communicated during “Your First March to Etihad Park” renewal period last April, City Members will
automatically receive the transition season matches at a flat rate consistent with their 2026
Membership plan. Additional information, including updates on priority access, invoices, and payment
plans, will be sent to Members via separate communications in the near future.
To learn more about Etihad Park and secure your seat during its inaugural season, visit EtihadPark.com.