NYCFC is smart by waiting to open Etihad Park in the summer of 2027

New York City FC fans knew that their future home, Etihad Park, would open in 2027. The question was when the new stadium would open, and now, the club has finally given an answer. On Wednesday, the Bronx team revealed that Etihad Park will open in the summer of 2027 when the new season begins.

Major League Soccer will have a transition season before switching over to the summer-spring schedule, which means the Pigeons have a little over a year until the team makes the permanent move. They will play at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field in 2027, and in complete honesty, that is okay. In fact, waiting until the summer is an intelligent and great decision.

NYCFC will open Etihad Park next summer

NYCFC can open the 2027-2028 season in style, starting a new era in MLS and as a club. Moreover, this gives some wiggle room in case there are any delays or issues. This is New York City after all, so it is quite possible something could happen. Of course, ending the construction on time is the ultimate goal.

CEO Brad Sims sees this as a way to fully celebrate an end and new beginnings. "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, " he told newyorkcityfc.com.

"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."

If fans were upset to hear the news, then hopefully the words from Sims helps them understand the move to wait until the summer. Plus, the transition season would be a great time to celebrate the baseball stadiums. Sure, playing at Yankee Stadium all these years, and adding Citi Field, has been controversial around the league. But from the NYCFC fan perspective, it was not terrible, and the team had a place to call home, even if they were renters.

It would be difficult to build up to the stadium opening in what will feel like an odd season. Remember, the transition season will have only 14 regular-season matches. Also, when that season begins, the weather will likely be poor since the Pigeons will have their home opener in February or March. Yes, it could be 100 degrees during Opening Day in the summer. But the season is better for stadium openings, especially outdoors, in New York.

So, good job, NYCFC. This was a smart move, and now fans know when Etihad Park will open.