NYCFC news roundup: The stadium, roster model, and more

There has been a lot going on for New York City FC over the last week. The team is preparing for the 10th-anniversary celebrations when the Pigeons return home, Alonso Martínez signed a new contract, and unfortunately, the Boys in Blue lost to Los Angeles FC.

Meanwhile, there is more to cover from the last week. Here is another NYCFC news roundup that includes the team's roster declaration to start the Major League Soccer season.

NYCFC news roundup: The fancy Tunnel Club and more

NYCFC's Tunnel Club

Last week, NYCFC revealed part of their hospitality seating at the future Etihad Park. The stadium will have the Tunnel Club, an area in which fans can have premium seats and an area to dine. They can hang in the dining area before, during, and after the match.

This hospitality option gets its name, though, because players will convene in the Tunnel Club before walking out on the pitch.

Based on images released by the club, the Tunnel Club looks like it will be a fancy area and likely will be too expensive for the majority of supporters. Nevertheless, for those who will be able to afford it, they are lucky to where they can be up close to the team while getting premium perks from the club.

NYCFC chose the U22 Initiative Player Model

As one will remember, MLS now allows clubs to pick two roster options: the Designated Player Model and the U22 Initiate Player Model. Teams can have either three DPs and three U22 players or two and four, respectively. NYCFC ultimately went with the second option, at least for now. Changes can be made in the summer.

As a result, NYCFC only has room to sign one Designated Player and has two U22 player spots available due to Talles Magnno and Jovan Mijatović being out on loan. Since the Serbian is the likelier of the two to possibly return in the summer, although still unlikely, it would not be surprising for the Pigeons to only try and sign one U22 player.

Moreover, it is possible NYCFC will not bring in another DP until the summer, regardless. Hopefully, that will not be the case.

Former NYCFC players were at the 10th Anniversary event

On Sunday, NYCFC celebrated their 10th Anniversary at a fan event. They brought back some former NYCFC players: RJ Allen, Andrea Pirlo, and Tony Rocha.

The big surprise was that Pirlo was there and talked positively about the team. The Italian was the team's third DP in their history, joining the Pigeons in the summer of 2015. He spent two and a half years with NYCFC, in which some would describe his time as underwhelming.

Still, Pirlo was a big part of those first few seasons and helped bring fans to the Bronx. It was nice that he took the time to speak to the NYCFC supporters, returning to honor the club.

Meanwhile, not much has been released about the anniversary celebration for those who were not there. Hopefully, NYCFC or the supporters will release more details.