Etihad Park will be the predictable but unique name of NYCFC's new stadium

After years of anger and disappointment about the New York City FC stadium search and transparency from the club, things have been moving rather quickly since the announcement at the end of 2022. Since the Pigeons are building in New York City, it is still a longer process compared to other areas of the country. Nevertheless, it has been an acceptable pace.

Over the last couple of years, NYCFC went through the stadium approval process and has released numerous renderings of the future home. The excitement continues to build after every announcement.

NYCFC's future home has a name

Plus, NYCFC was not done with stadium news in 2024. On Thursday, the club announced the name of the stadium. The Pigeons will officially play at Etihad Park. Per newyorkcityfc.com, "the 20-year agreement will see Etihad Airways retain the exclusive naming rights for New York City FC’s stadium being built in Willets Point, Queens." This continues the partnership with Etihad Airways, and one can assume they will likely remain the shirt sponsor for years to come.

The announcement was not shocking by any means. For years, supporters expected Etihad to be a part of the stadium name. The airline is a major part of City Football Group and the shirt sponsor of a few clubs. In addition, sister club Manchester City FC's stadium is the Etihad Stadium.

What is lovely is that the stadium will be known as Etihad Park. The use of "Park" makes it unique. Sure, other clubs' stadiums have it in their names around the world, but many use "Field" or "Stadium," especially in Major League Soccer. It also separates the name from Manchester City's home, giving NYCFC's stadium its own identity.

In some ways, the use of "Park" could be an unintentional way to honor the parks in New York City. The Big Apple is known for the parks, and the Pigeons already celebrated them via the Parks kit. Moreover, it could be NYCFC's way of commemorating their baseball stadium homes. In Major League Baseball, 14 stadiums have "Park" in their name. Some might argue it was just a choice, but only eight MLS stadiums use it in their names.

Although, Yankee Stadium and Citi Field clearly do not utilize the word anywhere in their names. However, with certain areas of NYCFC's stadium available to be named via sponsors, perhaps the Pigeons could honor the past homes by using names associated with the Yankees, Mets, or their stadiums. It would recognize the past, where the club started, and the partnership with the baseball teams.

Of course, the Yankees would be the first choice since Yankees Global Enterprises owns a stake in the club. It would be somewhat comical if there is an area or section named after the Yankees since they will be right across the way from Citi Field.

In the end, Etihad Park is a good name for the future home. Sure, the use of Etihad was expected, but it is still unique in its own way.