Gotham FC, the reigning champions of the National Women’s Soccer League, have announced a landmark relocation that will see the club playing their home matches at the newly constructed Etihad Stadium in Flushing, Queens, starting in 2028. This move marks a significant shift for the team, which has spent over a decade hosting its games in New Jersey.
What the Move Means for Gotham FC’s Future
For the first time in their history, Gotham FC will be based within New York City limits, bringing the club closer to the heart of its fanbase. Despite this relocation, the team intends to maintain its training facility development in New Jersey, preserving a connection to the state that has been its home for many years.
The Etihad Stadium, originally built for Major League Soccer’s New York City FC, is the first soccer-specific professional stadium in New York. With a seating capacity of 25,000, the venue is situated adjacent to Citi Field, the home ballpark of the New York Mets, making it a prominent sports hub in Queens.
The initial agreement between Gotham FC and the stadium spans five years, with an option to extend the partnership up to 15 years, signaling a long-term commitment to establishing roots in the borough.
Before fully settling into their new home, Gotham FC will introduce themselves to the Queens community through the upcoming Queen’s Classique in July. Hosted at Citi Field, this event will feature Gotham taking on the Washington Spirit, with expectations of drawing a record crowd and testing the local fanbase’s enthusiasm for the team’s new chapter.